LUMINO Celebrates 15 Years of Winter Transformation in Montreal
For 15 years, LUMINO has illuminated Montreal’s winter nights, becoming a cherished tradition that captivates both locals and visitors alike. This spectacular event, organized by the Quartier des Spectacles Partnership, transforms the heart of the city into a vibrant display of light and creativity, truly celebrating Montreal's Nordic spirit.
The 15th edition of LUMINO, running from November 28, 2024, to March 9, 2025, features the most extensive program yet with 30 stunning installations, including 14 outdoor exhibits, 11 indoor displays, and 7 captivating video projections. With a new twist this year, some of the exhibitions can be found inside iconic venues, inviting participants to explore and engage with art in various settings.
As the sun sets, visitors can stroll through a wonderland of brilliance, with creations designed to warm the spirit and brighten the cold winter months. Among this year’s standout installations is 'Éloge de l'air' by Chevalvert at Place Ville Marie, where visitors can participate in making a gigantic banner float gracefully in the winter sky. Another highlight is 'Les Fabuloscopes' by La Camaraderie, located in front of the Grande Bibliothèque, which allows passers-by to create mesmerizing stroboscopic animations.
Outdoor installations remain a crowd favorite, with 'Lustres' by TILT creating an enchanting open-air ballroom experience at St. James United Church, and '1000 Visages' by Alejandro Figueroa, a gigantic archway adorned with moving mirrors at Esplanade Tranquille, adding a reflective aesthetic to the skating rink.
Adding to the allure of this year’s celebration is 'Chaleur Humaine,' a piece by Anne Lagacé that mimics a suspended sun, infusing warmth and cheer into Place Pasteur. Also drawing attention is 'Talking Heads' by Hungary’s Limelight Art. This interactive installation features two towering heads made of 4,000 LED lights that communicate and express emotions through color and light, creating a lively interaction with the audience.
Unique to this year’s showcase are the indoor installations which further broaden the experience. At the entrance to the Central gastronomic food court, 'Équilibre Tensio' by Guillaume Bourassa and Francis Théberge presents a dynamic piece that challenges perception, while VORTEX by Nicolas Paolozzi offers an immersive encounter with light and water above the Complexe Desjardins fountain. These installations encourage the public to immerse themselves in a multi-sensory experience. Another exciting addition is 'Kaléidoscope A Social Media Trinity' by Alejandro Figueroa, prompting reflections on the impact of social media through an engaging art form.
As night blankets the city, video projections bring an extra layer of magic to the experience. Features include 'Étrangement satisfaisant' by COLEGRAM, which casts brilliant visuals on various façades, and 'Hyperobjects' by Aude Guivarc'h that inspires contemplation on the transient nature of permanence.
Since its inception, LUMINO has showcased over 50 installations, profoundly impacting Montreal's cultural landscape and echoing its success globally, with past installations presented in numerous cities across five continents. The Quartier des Spectacles international plays an essential role in this success, helping to position LUMINO and Montreal as leaders in public digital art.
Thanks to the generous support of the Ville de Montréal and Tourisme Montréal, along with collaborative efforts from many local associates, LUMINO continues to thrive. The event, free and open to everyone, invites the public to enjoy these splendid displays daily, enhancing the sense of community through shared artistic experiences in the chilly embrace of winter. With its dazzling lights and engaging installations, LUMINO remains a testament to Montreal's innovative spirit and dedication to celebrating art and culture in extraordinary ways.