Terra Mosella

The history of the Moselle in light

Terra Mosella is a unique immersive show that transports the spectator through the most significant pages of the history of the Moselle. Conceived and directed by Damien Fontaine, a recognized specialist in immersive sound and light shows, Terra Mosella transforms the Saint-Joseph church in Montigny-lès-Metz into a monumental image theater where history comes to life before the audience's eyes.

A spectacular technical feat

The technical setup of Terra Mosella is impressive: 28 laser video projectors and over 200 projectors are deployed to illuminate the entire interior space of the church. The vaults, pillars, choir, side walls, and floor become projection surfaces on which images, animations, and visual effects create a 360-degree environment. The spectator is literally immersed in history, surrounded by images and sound.

A poignant historical narrative

The show retraces the history of the Moselle over a crucial period from the eve of the 1870 war to the post-World War II era. The annexation of Alsace-Moselle by the German Empire in 1871, daily life under the Reichsland, the return to France in 1918, the tragedy of World War II, and the liberation are recounted with remarkable emotional intensity. Testimonies, archives, and visual reconstructions bring this history, often unknown to the general public, to life.

The Saint-Joseph church, a setting for the show

The Saint-Joseph church in Montigny-lès-Metz is not just a performance venue: it is an integral part of the show. Its early 20th-century Neo-Romanesque architecture, with its generous proportions and stone surfaces, offers an ideal support for projections. The choice of this church, built during the German annexation period, adds a symbolic dimension to the historical narrative.

The art of Damien Fontaine

Damien Fontaine is an immersive show creator recognized in France for his light installations in historic monuments. His work, at the crossroads of scenography, digital creation, and historical narration, transforms heritage sites into total performance spaces. With Terra Mosella, he signs a particularly ambitious work that pays homage to the unique history of the Moselle.

A winter and spring event

Terra Mosella is scheduled during the winter season and early spring, from February to March, with two daily shows. This schedule, which corresponds to a period when outdoor cultural offerings are naturally reduced, allows for a major event to be offered to the Metz metropolitan area during the winter months. Partner restaurants offer special menus, making the Terra Mosella evening a complete outing.