Metz Cathedral Lightshow – 800th Anniversary 2020

Metz Cathedral’s Spectacular 800th Anniversary Lightshow:

2020 marks the 800th anniversary of Cathedrale Saint-Etienne de Metz, the city’s main cathedral. There are many events throughout the year to celebrate its anniversary and one of these is the spectacular videomapping of the cathedral’s facade (see video below).

Light projection

We were lucky to be in town when the light projection was on. Saint Etienne Cathedral is unique in that it boasts more glass than any other medieval religious building in the world. With its 6,496 m2 of stained glass, it is nicknamed the “Good Lord’s Lantern” (La Lanterne du Bon Dieu). The light projection traces the eight centuries of the cathedral’s construction and pays homage to the builders and stained glass artists.

More than a light projection

The light projection traces numerous historical events in the city of Metz and its famous cathedral. If you knew a little about Metz’s history, you’ll be able to identify some of the more obvious references, such as the Legend of Graoully (a dragon-like creature). The historical journey traces the modern day construction of the Centre Pompidou Metz and through to the early days of the Carolingian line of descent. But it is the shifting scenery of the cathedral’s edifice and its gigantic wall of stained glass, that is the keystone of this visual experience.

According to the design company “the aim of the project is to present the cathedral as a contemporary organism that is in constant transition, comparing and contrasting the historical strata that have shaped the face of Metz and its cathedral with a series of contemporary re-interpretations”.

But, even if you don’t know anything about Metz history, the lightshow is spectacular and a visual treat. Hope you enjoyed it.

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