Lumino returns to light up downtown Montreal for its 16th edition

It’s a feast for the eyes at Quartier des Spectacles as Lumino makes its grand return for its 16th edition, bringing more than 30 installations, video projections and luminous, interactive experiences that light up the winter sky.

The event transforms downtown Montreal into an open-air museum, offering visitors a unique experience that organizers say has inspired light festivals around the world.

“For the first part of Lumino, when there’s all those activities with the holiday season, we decided to have pieces that are more like major pieces to bring some light and color to the street,” said Marie Lamoureux, public relations senior advisor for Quartier des Spectacles. “Second, we wanted to have pieces that are more interactive where people can actually play. So people can see ‘Sagesse de foule’ on Saint-Catherine Street, where a spot follows you and you play hide and seek with the game.”

Visitors can discover the artistic works of emerging local artists and international talent. Some of the first outdoor pieces , including Shadow and Anemonia, are now on display at the Esplanade skating rink and at the forecourt of St. James United Church on Sainte-Catherine Street West.

The event also features three original video projections currently displayed on some of Quartier des Spectacles’ largest buildings. They will remain in place until the end of January, when a new series of artworks will take over.

“I’m very, very excited to be presenting this at Lumino this year,” said Teo Leroo, artist and creator of Codex. “My piece is going to be projected at the BAnQ, the Bibliothèque Nationale. And it’s a projection mapping of approximately five minutes that takes you in different dimensions and very weird landscapes.”

“Quartier des Spectacles is quite a wide territory — it’s one square kilometer, we go until St-Denis Street,” said Lamoureux. “So there’s about five pieces that will be presented in January and some of them are with students. We really share this collaboration, share this collaboration with UQAM. They’re going to present interactive video projection and installation.”

Lumino is free and open daily from sunset to 11 p.m., running throughout the entire winter season for a total of four months until March 8.

“I think it’s absolutely brilliant to bring people outside in such a harsh season, bringing artists together, making sure that we have visibility and making sure that the city stays alive during the winter,” Leroo said.