AURA-ervaring in de Notre-Dame-basiliek en begeleide cruise

We had toured Notre Dame earlier in the day, and thank goodness we did. We were able to take in its sacred beauty and amazing architecture and art in a reverent atmosphere. We decided to try the Aura experience based on the description of music and lighting which we believed would enhance the superb structure. Upon entering for the 6pm performance we immediately realized that this was not the same space. People were allowing children to turn cartwheels down the center aisle, others were taking posed selfies in front of religious sculptures and art and the whole place seemed to feel wrong. Once the show began (late), the lights didn’t enhance anything and the music was not in keeping with the setting. It felt like Disney World, with fake birds singing and seasons changing, and colored lasers flashing. There was nothing to note the significance of the cathedral. It ended suddenly and the four people in our party couldn’t wait to leave. We felt like it had been so sacrilegious and upsetting to be in that holy space and have it feel violated. I cannot believe the church sanctions this type of event here. In hindsight, I was naïve to not have researched it more thoroughly before paying money for this. What made me realize that it was not just our group was that a young family, who overheard our discussion, stopped us to say that they too felt the same way and were angry that they had wasted their time and money. They were not familiar with the Catholic faith and had hoped there would be more history or backstory about the building and its significance. This is such a missed opportunity for this place and I hope others think twice about paying money for this show.

Absoluut prachtig. Wat een ervaring om te zien hoe prachtig deze kerk oplicht en alle mooie details in het houtwerk te laten zien. Een must om te zien.