Photonic Dreams was mandated to illuminate the Théâtre du Nouveau Monde, one of the most highly respected theatre institutions in Canada located in the heart of downtown Montreal. With funding provided by the the “Quartier des spectacles Partnership” and the City of Montreal,  Axel Morgenthaler created a multitude of temporary and permanent architectural lighting elements for the building.

One of the highlights is the permanent dynamic illumination of the beautiful old entrance facade on St. Urbain Street that has been invisible to most since the renovation and enlargement of the theatre brought the main entrance to St. Catherine Street. With this computer controlled LED lighting installation of the entire historic brick wall, the spirit of the old theatre is resurrected. Visitors can enjoy a colourful but tasteful four minute lightshow around the theme of a classical red theatre curtain playfully interacting with the texture of the bricks and the historic wall’s original architectural features.  The programming can also be modified to correspond with the theatre’s individual events.
 

Axel Morgenthaler unveiled as well a temporary illuminated electronic display that is incorporated in the second-story windows of the Sainte-Catherine Street facade of the theatre.

A major new addition to Montreal's cultural signage, this electronic banner, made of 1,050 light-emitting diodes (LED’s) is entirely programmable. It displays text, graphics and low-resolution videos to promote the theatre and the “Quartier des spectacles”, interspersed with other imagery created by the designer. The dynamic and colourful contents bring a new dimension to communicating cultural information in the public domain. The installation is controlled by a dedicated computer, connected by a wireless network that can change the color and intensity of each individual lighting element.

Don't miss this remarkable installation, which lights up every day after 8:30 PM and will remain on display until August 31.