From the age of the impressionists to the era of the pixel, Rouen's fabulous gothic cathedral has inspired the greatest artists. This year, the cathedral square becomes a theatre of light as digital artists prepare to dress the church in colour.
In 1892 and 1893, Claude Monet set up his easel opposite the cathedral and painted around 30 canvases reflecting his impressions of the façade with the changing light and weather of Normandy. In the 20th century the American artist Roy Lichtensetin created a Pop Art version of the same perspectives.
From June 4 until September 17, digital artists from illumination specialists Skertzo will offer a 21st century homage to the past, using light projectors to bathe the cathedral in ever changing colours taken from Monet's palette. At the same time the original 19th century works will be projected onto the square. An especially composed soundtrack will accompany the free light show that takes place each night after sunset.
On Wednesday evenings in summer, Rouen's Beaux Arts museum will offer free guided tours of its impressionist collection as a curtain raiser to the show, and several central restaurants will be creating themed menus.
The light show Rouen: The cathedral from Monet to Pixels begins at 11pm in June and July, 10.30 in August and 10pm in September. Parking in central Rouen costs €1.50 in the evenings.
A son et lumière presentation was first held last year, but 2005 will be the first time since the wartime bombings of the 1940s that the cathedral may be seen without the obstruction of scaffolding as work has finally finished on the 60 year external restoration project.
More : www.rouentourisme.com
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