SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — Grace Cathedral, the historic architectural landmark perched atop Nob Hill, is glowing in a way even longtime San Franciscans have never seen before. The church’s interiors have become the canvas for AURA, an immersive light and sound experience that blends centuries-old architecture with cutting-edge projection mapping.
Created by Montreal-based studio Moment Factory and presented in partnership with live entertainment platform Fever, AURA transforms this Gothic cathedral into a sweeping visual journey that celebrates the relationship between humanity and nature, through storms, stars, oceans, and light that ripple across vaulted ceilings and stone columns.
For visitors, the effect is immediate. “I sat down and then it started playing and all of a sudden you’re like immersed in it,” said attendee Ava Karah. “There’s so many colors, lights. It was so amazing.”
The production unfolds in seven thematic chapters, pairing original music with immersive visuals. Dean Malcolm Clemens Young describes the collaboration with Moment Factory and Fever as a way “for creating inspiration for people, for moving people’s heart, for giving people a sense of beauty that surprises them.”
MORE: A Nickel an Oyster: How San Francisco’s iconic Waterbar restaurant is giving back to the city
For Young, the show is part of a much longer tradition. “Ever since the very beginning, cathedrals have been the places where the best technologies have been developed for that sake of increasing people’s sense of awe and wonder,” he said. In that spirit, AURA feels less like a departure and more like an evolution of sacred storytelling through modern tools.
The experience resonates across generations. Young notes that children are especially enchanted, and the show is designed to be welcoming and accessible for visitors of all ages, including space for strollers.
Longtime San Franciscans feel the personal touch. “AURA is an experience that they localize for San Francisco, so you can tell that it was just wanting to speak to those of us who live here,” said Carla Schlemminger. “I grew up here, so it was extra magical for me.”
Attendee Dennis Clay gave AURA stellar marks. “On a scale of one to ten: eleven. I mean it was absolutely amazing,” Clay said.
For tickets and more information, visit here.
If you’re on the ABC7 News app, click here to watch live
Copyright © 2026 KGO-TV. All Rights Reserved.