CELESTIA makes its Chicago debut at Lincoln Park’s St. Vincent de Paul Church, transforming the historic sanctuary with immersive light, music and 360-degree projections through Jan. 31.(Photo | Brent Andeck)

CELESTIA makes its Chicago debut at Lincoln Park’s St. Vincent de Paul Church, transforming the historic sanctuary with immersive light, music and 360-degree projections through Jan. 31.(Photo | Brent Andeck)

Chicago audiences will have a new reason to step inside one of the city’s most beautiful churches this holiday season. CELESTIA, an immersive experience combining 360-degree projection mapping, orchestral music and storytelling, makes its Chicago debut Nov. 20 at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church in Lincoln Park, transforming the historic sanctuary into a sweeping canvas of light, color and sound.

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Following its well-received world premiere in Denver, the production brings a contemporary artistic experience to the landmark church at 1010 W. Webster Ave., where soaring interiors and Romanesque Revival architecture provide the setting for an imaginative journey designed to inspire wonder and reflection.

CELESTIA brings light and music to a Chicago landmark. (Photo | Brent Andeck)

CELESTIA brings light and music to a Chicago landmark. (Photo | Brent Andeck)

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Produced by Paquin Entertainment Group in collaboration with award-winning Normal Studio, CELESTIA surrounds seated audiences with vivid projections, original orchestral compositions and dreamlike soundscapes. The visual narrative moves across the church’s walls and architectural details, creating an experience that blends modern technology with the timeless beauty of the historic space.

Select performances will feature a live vocal ensemble, with a choir accompanying the projections on Fridays and Saturdays and select additional dates during the holiday season.

Founded in 1875, St. Vincent de Paul has been a fixture of Chicago's North Side for more than 150 years. Dedicated in 1897, the church is known for its distinctive architecture, spacious sanctuary, historic Lyon & Healy organ and marble details. The production is designed to complement those features while introducing the building to audiences in an entirely different way.

“We are immensely proud to bring CELESTIA to Chicago and St. Vincent de Paul Church following our world premiere in Denver,” said Justin Paquin, CEO of CELESTIA and president of exhibitions and theatricals at Paquin Entertainment Group. He noted that the response in Denver reinforced the appeal of shared experiences that are both beautiful and meaningful.

Father Derek Swanson, C.M., pastor of St. Vincent de Paul, said the church welcomes the opportunity to share its historic worship space with the wider community through an experience that celebrates light, music and reflection.

Mathieu St-Arnaud, executive creative director and partner at Normal Studio, described the production as a spiritual journey intended to transcend age, background and religious beliefs, emphasizing the connections people share.

Chicago is one of two cities launching the next phase of CELESTIA's international expansion, alongside Toronto, where the production opened Nov. 6 at the Cathedral Church of St. James. Additional markets are planned as the experience expands globally.

Designed for families, art and music enthusiasts, architecture admirers and visitors looking for something different to experience in Chicago, CELESTIA runs through Jan. 31. Tickets start at $24, with performances scheduled throughout the holiday season.

(For schedules and tickets, visit celestiaexperience.com.)

 
 

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