Toronto’s historic Cathedral Church of St. James will take on an entirely new look this fall as CELESTIA Toronto makes its Canadian debut, transforming the landmark into an immersive world of light, music and storytelling.
Opening November 6, 2026, CELESTIA Toronto is a seated multisensory experience built specifically around the architecture and acoustics of the cathedral at 106 King Street East. Using 360-degree projection mapping, original orchestral music, immersive soundscapes and visual storytelling, the production will surround audiences with imagery projected throughout the historic space.
Rather than simply using the cathedral as a backdrop, CELESTIA has been designed around the building itself. Its soaring ceilings, architectural details, acoustics and history become part of the production as projections continually transform the interior.
“The cathedral is more than a venue. Its architecture and history shape every moment of the performance, creating something that cannot be experienced anywhere else in the world,” said Justin Paquin, CEO of CELESTIA and president of exhibitions and theatricals at Paquin Entertainment Group.
On select Friday and Saturday evenings, the orchestral score will also be accompanied by a live vocal ensemble featuring local musical talent, adding another live performance element to the experience.
CELESTIA Toronto was created by Paquin Entertainment Group in collaboration with Montreal-based Normal Studio, the multidisciplinary creative team behind the experience’s world premiere in Denver. While sharing the artistic vision of the original production, the Toronto edition has been newly created for St. James Cathedral.
“We wanted to create something that feels immediate, surprising and alive,” said Mathieu St-Arnaud, chief creative officer and partner at Normal Studio. “The original music and scale of the projections bring the cathedral’s architecture to life, continually transforming how the space is experienced.”
The setting itself is an important part of what makes the Toronto production distinctive. The Cathedral Church of St. James has occupied a prominent place in Toronto for generations and remains both an active Anglican cathedral and a venue for concerts, organ recitals, choral performances and other cultural programming.
“The Cathedral of St. James has welcomed people seeking inspiration and connection for generations,” said the Very Rev. Dr. Stephen Hance, rector of The Cathedral of St. James and dean of Toronto. “CELESTIA Toronto offers a unique opportunity to discover this historic space through contemporary art, music and storytelling while celebrating the cathedral’s enduring role as a place of welcome, worship and wonder.”
Designed to communicate largely through music, imagery and movement rather than language, CELESTIA is intended for audiences across ages and backgrounds, including families as well as art, music and immersive-experience fans.
CELESTIA Toronto Event Details
When: Beginning November 6, 2026, for a limited run
Where: The Cathedral Church of St. James, 106 King Street East, Toronto
Tickets: Starting at $24
Website: celestiatoronto.com
