L’Oréal Group Launches Notre-Dame de Paris The Augmented Exhibition at West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong to Honor 860 Years of History

Published on December 7, 2024

L’Oréal Group, in partnership with cultural curator Visionairs, today unveiled the highly anticipated “Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” at the Art Park in West Kowloon Cultural District (“WestK”). Set to open to the public on December 8 – coinciding with the reopening of the iconic cathedral – this groundbreaking exhibition invites visitors on an immersive journey through 860 years of history, showcasing Notre-Dame’s architectural splendor and the monumental moments that have shaped its legacy.

The grand opening ceremony was attended by prominent figures from the Institut Français, the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau, the Office of the European Union to Hong Kong and Macao, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, InvestHK, and members of both local and French communities spanning business, art, culture, and innovation.

At the core of L’Oréal’s vision is the belief in beauty enhanced by technology. The company continues to lead innovation in Beauty Tech, pioneering products and services that revolutionize the beauty experience. L’Oréal also believes that technology has the power to enrich culture and heritage. Through its support of the “Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition,” L’Oréal further demonstrates its commitment to this belief, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the cathedral’s history and restoration efforts in a new and interactive way.

In addition to contributing as a donor for the restoration of Notre-Dame following the 2019 fire, L’Oréal Group is proud to sponsor this world-touring exhibition, developed by the French startup Histovery in collaboration with the public institution Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris. This collaboration aligns with L’Oréal’s purpose of “creating the beauty that moves the world,” showcasing how technology can both preserve cultural heritage and enhance the beauty experience for all.

The exhibition offers an immersive AR experience through the innovative HistoPad™ tablet, allowing visitors to navigate key historical moments of Notre-Dame. From the grandeur of Napoleon’s coronation to the intricate beauty of the cathedral’s rose windows, the exhibition provides a unique window into the past. Visitors can also witness the latest restoration progress and discover the many secrets hidden within the cathedral’s walls.

With a focus on interactivity and personal discovery, the exhibition is designed to be an enriching experience for audiences of all ages and backgrounds. Attendees are invited to curate their own journey, offering a deeply personalized exploration of one of the world’s most beloved cultural treasures.

Ms. Eva YU, President and Managing Director, 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, CEO 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, CEO, 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.”

Mrs. Christile Drulhe, Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau said, “Five years after the fire that severely damaged Notre-Dame de Paris, the Cathedral is reopening to the public on December 8th, thanks to the tireless dedication of workers and supporters, including from Hong Kong. The inauguration of “Notre-Dame de Paris: The Augmented Exhibition” could therefore not be timelier, and I commend the role of L’Oréal and Visionairs, as well as the innovative technology of French start-up Histovery in this regard. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all around the world in Hong Kong Kong for this unique exhibition and in Paris to experience Notre-Dame de Paris once again, more vibrant and iconic than ever.”