L’Oréal Group, in collaboration with cultural curator Visionairs, has inaugurated the opening of the “Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” at the Art Park in West Kowloon Cultural District (“WestK”). Developed by the French start-up Histovery, the “Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” opened to the public on December 8.
This new opening coincides with the reopening of the cathedral to the public–and offers an unprecedented journey through 860 years of history, exploring the cathedral’s stunning interiors and witnessing pivotal moments, from its construction in 1163 to the ongoing restoration efforts. The opening ceremony was graced by distinguished guests from Institut Français, Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macao; West Kowloon Cultural District Authority; InvestHK; local and French community of business, art, culture and innovation and more.
During the exhibition, visitors can immerse themselves into the heritage of Notre-Dame and navigate the cathedral’s key historical moments using the AR touch-screen tablet, HistoPadTM. They will travel back in time to witness the splendor of Napoleon’s coronation, uncover secrets within the radiant glow of the rose windows, and learn about the latest restoration progress. With a high degree of freedom and diverse interactive elements, the exhibition enables visitors of all ages and backgrounds to curate their own journeys and experience the multifaceted beauty of Notre Dame on their own terms.
Ms. Eva YU, president and managing director of L’Oréal Hong Kong, said, “L’Oréal’s 115-year legacy is rooted in beauty, creativity, and a deep respect for cultural heritage. ‘Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition’ reflects these values, offering a unique opportunity for the public to experience the enduring beauty and resilience of this iconic landmark. We are honored to be part of this remarkable, innovative world experience in Hong Kong and inspire all of us to appreciate and preserve the shared beauty of this World Heritage treasure.”
Ms. Lydie Blandeau, chief executive officer and co-founder of Visionairs said, “Today marks the official opening of Visionairs, Hong Kong’s first permanent home for ArtTech located in Hong Kong’s WestK. This is the first of our research-backed cultural exhibitions that use immersive technology to bring history and culture to life for our audiences. We are delighted to collaborate with renowned cultural leaders and institutions worldwide, like Histovery, Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris and L’Oréal Groupe, to seamlessly integrate knowledge, culture, and history into immersive, guided experiences. We hope to be a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike; a place where visitors can transcend time and space, exploring meticulously reconstructed historical scenes in high definition.”
Mr. Bruno de Sa Moreira, co-founder, chief executive officer and executive producer of Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition said, “This augmented exhibition sponsored by L’Oréal celebrates the extraordinary history and splendor of Notre-Dame de Paris. We are very grateful to L’Oréal for making this exhibition possible, and we are honored to present it at the Art Park in WestK, especially this month, which will be marked by the reopening of Notre-Dame.”
