The Grand Magic Hotel in Paris, France, re-imagines what it means to “be transported.” Developed over a two-year period by Montreal-headquartered multimedia studio, Moment Factory, and global investment manager Schroders, the property immerses guests in imaginary worlds from the moment they enter.
The innovative project fuses scenography, architecture, and multimedia to take guests on an unforgettable journey. Moment Factory was tasked with transforming the hotel’s lobby and grand hall.
The hotel’s multimedia-based transformation was inspired by Moment Factory’s work in theme park attractions, and their goal of using themed entertainment to complement and enhance the hotel’s practical functions.
Upon arrival, guests are greeted by Mr. Maurice, the fictional owner of The Grand Magic Hotel, who comes to life in a digital portrait that hangs prominently above the reception desk. As guests explore the lobby, they encounter ever-changing graphics that provide visions of the journey to come.
The interior not only evolves throughout the day, but also over the course of the seasons, revealing wondrous surprises for guests to explore. These environments are brought to life through fantastical flourishes including architectural effects and trompe-l’oeil (translation: deceive the eye) illusions that blur the line between the real and the extraordinary.
Come nightfall, the venue reaches the height of its metamorphic powers: the moment Mr. Maurice activates his enchanted elevator, guests are whisked away on a voyage into wondrous worlds.
Content overtakes The Grand Hall’s multimedia features to create an immersive experience. These illusory visuals are extended by the room’s impactful media columns and are supported by an original soundscape.
The multisensory adventure introduces guests to four unique worlds: The French Garden, The Forest Pavilion, The Water Palace, and The Sky Gallery. Each world is an immersive multimedia show that unfolds over four acts, taking guests on a deliberately paced journey that includes relaxing ambient sequences and entertaining show moments.
“Schroders’ mandate provided us with the opportunity to re-imagine the hotel experience by tapping into our expertise in themed attractions,” says Thomas Pintal, creative director, Moment Factory. “Through multimedia scenography, we take visitors of all ages on an immersive journey.”
Here is a summary of the four worlds:
The French Garden
Golden light illuminates a living garden landscape inspired by the natural beauty that surrounds the hotel. The garden’s gradual evolution complements guests’ daily departures and returns. In the morning, the garden immerses guests in a vivid sunrise. In the afternoon, a sunset welcomes guests back, setting the scene for their forthcoming evening experience.
The Water Palace
A majestic underwater world swimming with sparkling sea creatures bathes The Grand Hall in aquatic beauty.
The Forest Pavilion
A mysterious forest of towering trees, lush vegetation, and a swirl of dancing fireflies invites guests to discover the wonders of nature at night.
The Sky Gallery
High above the clouds, an ethereal wonderland exists that is home to astral magic including an ever-glowing full moon, cosmic fireworks, and soaring paper airplanes.
Under Moment Factory’s creative direction, Tétris Design & Build were responsible for the production and installation of the Hotel’s scenography.
“Grand Magic Hotel is a unique project in Europe, made possible because of Moment Factory’s genius ability to translate the owner’s expectations into images and sensations. Tétris is happy and proud to have accompanied Moment Factory in this project,” says Dominique Barlaud, director of the Tétris Design & Build hotel division.
The decor of these reinvented spaces was taken up by Maison Numéro 20, which added vivid colour and additional elements designed to facilitate deep immersion. For its founder, Oscar Lucien Ono, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The entire hotel space is also equipped with a sophisticated technical system. The project has received the following awards: Best Hospitality Concept, 2022 by Hospitality ON, and the Immersive Experience, 2022 award by Blooloop Innovation Awards.
