One of New York City’s most iconic landmarks is getting a spectacular new presentation that combines history, music, storytelling and digital artistry. LUMINISCENCE, an acclaimed immersive experience, has opened at St. Patrick’s Cathedral, inviting visitors to rediscover the historic Fifth Avenue landmark through an extraordinary display of light and sound.
Presented by Banijay Americas, created by LOTCHI and produced by Banijay Live, the experience officially opened October 2. The production uses 360-degree video mapping, live choral performances, orchestral music and narration to illuminate the cathedral’s architecture and share the story of its history. New York native Jonathan Roumie provides the narration, while Maestro Malcolm J. Merriweather leads the LUMINISCENCE Orchestra.
The production transforms the cathedral’s interior into an immersive visual experience, with projections carefully mapped onto its architectural details. Music and storytelling work together to highlight the building’s history, artistic features and significance to generations of New Yorkers.
A portion of every ticket sold will benefit St. Patrick’s Cathedral’s Renew the Living Voices: The Kilgen Organ Campaign, which supports the preservation of the cathedral’s musical heritage.
“St. Patrick’s Cathedral has held a special place in New York City for more than 160 years, and we’re honored to bring its story to life through music and light, and storytelling,” said Ben Samek, CEO of Banijay Americas.
Since its debut in 2023, LUMINISCENCE has attracted more than two million visitors across more than 20 productions in eight countries, including France, Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Brazil and the United States.
The New York presentation offers a particularly meaningful setting. St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the largest Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral in North America. Designed by architect James Renwick Jr., the marble landmark opened in 1878 after two decades of construction. Its iconic twin spires rise more than 330 feet above Fifth Avenue. Today, it serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of New York and welcomes millions of visitors annually.
Father Enrique Salvo, rector of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, said the experience provides an opportunity for visitors of all faiths to appreciate the beauty, history and spiritual significance of the building in a new way.
Guests can choose between two experiences: LUMINISCENCE Live+, featuring a live choir and orchestra, or the standard LUMINISCENCE presentation with recorded music and narration.
Tickets are currently on sale through January 2. For tickets and additional information, visit luminiscence.com/new-york.