Mont Saint-Eloi

The illumination of the ruins of the cathedral of Mont-Saint-Eloi is part of Lille’s celebration as the cultural capital of Europe in 2004, revitalizing northern France. The principal façade is immersed in a uniform blue light, which engenders a surreal, even phantasmagorical presence in the edifice from a distance. From close-up, the same light blurs the scars left by wars and revolutions, while also revealing the intricate stone-work and textures of the building. Where the nave used to stand, a group of luminous curves float up towards the sky, emulating floating votive candles.


Location Lille, France
Date Completed 2005
Client Conseil Général du Pas-de-Calais & Lille 2004
Type Artist Collaborations
Status Built

L'Observatoire Intl Team
Principal Hervé Descottes
Project Leader Etienne Gillabert