Vienna: Light of Creation at the Votive Church – an Immersive Light Show
Hightlight
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English-Speaking
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Group-Friendly
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Local guide
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Reservations
History
The neo-Gothic Votive Church (Votivkirche), completed in 1879, was built to thank God for Emperor Franz Joseph’s survival of an 1853 assassination attempt. Its soaring twin spires and intricate vaulting have witnessed Vienna’s transformation from imperial capital to modern metropolis.
Tonight, cutting-edge projection mapping and a custom symphonic score breathe new life into this 19th-century masterpiece, transforming sacred stone into a canvas for the universe’s origin story.
Highlights
- Witness Genesis unfold across the church’s vaulted ceilings and columns
- Experience a 360° symphony of light, color, and original orchestral music
- See historic Gothic architecture morph into cosmic nebulae and oceans
- Feel the Big Bang’s rumble and the first dawn’s glow in six epic acts
- Enjoy a seamless blend of 19th-century craftsmanship and 21st-century tech
- Choose from multiple daily showtimes for flexible planning
Full Description
Enter the majestic Votive Church and take your seat beneath its star-vaulted ceiling. For 30 spellbinding minutes, Light of Creation envelops you in the biblical Genesis narrative.
Act 1 ignites with the Big Bang—swirling galaxies projected across 3,000 square meters of stone. Light pierces darkness as land rises from water, forests bloom, and creatures emerge in cascading color. The finale bathes the nave in golden dawn, with a soaring crescendo that reverberates through the church’s acoustics.
No narration—just pure sensory immersion where architecture becomes the storyteller.
Why Choose This Experience?
This isn’t a slideshow—it’s a full-dome cinematic event inside a living monument. Perfect for art lovers, tech enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a transcendent 30 minutes in Vienna.
Wheelchair-accessible, family-friendly (ages 7+), and conveniently located near the Ringstrasse.
What’s Included
- Reserved entry to Light of Creation 30-minute show
- Comfortable theater-style seating in the nave
- High-resolution 360° projection mapping
- Original orchestral soundtrack via spatial audio
- Multilingual show (visual narrative, no spoken words)
- Digital program notes emailed post-show
- Cloakroom service (free)
- Wheelchair spaces and assistive listening devices
Itinerary
- Arrive at Votive Church ticket office (30 minutes before show)
- Voucher exchange and entry
- Seating in the nave (assigned zones)
- 30-minute immersive light and sound experience
- Exit at your leisure (church remains open for photos post-show)
Pricing
From $26 per person
Meeting Point
Votive Church ticket office (Votivkirche main entrance, Rooseveltplatz side). Exchange voucher 15 minutes before showtime.
How to Get There
- Tram: 1, 71, D to Schottentor (2-minute walk)
- Metro: U2 Schottentor (3-minute walk)
- Look for Light of Creation banners at entrance
- Staff in black uniforms assist with entry
Good to Know
What to Bring
- Printed or digital voucher
- Light sweater (church can be cool)
- Comfortable shoes (standing possible during entry)
Know Before You Go
- Doors open 30 minutes before; entry closes 5 minutes prior
- No late admission—show starts precisely
- Children under 7 not permitted
- No photography, food, or large bags
- Church not air-conditioned (warm in summer, cool in winter)
- Restrooms available in lobby
- Post-show church exploration allowed (no flash)
Reviews
- The fusion of Gothic grandeur and cosmic visuals left us speechless—truly transcendent.
- Seamless entry, perfect seats, and jaw-dropping effects—best €26 spent in Vienna.
- From Big Bang to Eden in 30 minutes—music and light in perfect harmony.
Maps
Video
FAQ's
When should I arrive and how does entry work?
Arrive 15–30 minutes before your selected showtime at the Votive Church ticket office (Rooseveltplatz entrance). Exchange your digital or printed voucher for a physical ticket—staff scan and direct you to the nave. Entry opens 30 minutes prior and closes 5 minutes before start (no late admissions). Seating is assigned by zone (early arrival secures better views). The church lobby has restrooms and a cloakroom. The entire process is streamlined with multilingual staff.
Is the show suitable for children or non-religious visitors?
Children aged 7+ are welcome and often mesmerized by the visuals. The experience is purely artistic and musical—no spoken narration or religious commentary. It presents Genesis as a universal creation myth through light and sound. Non-religious guests enjoy it as abstract digital art in a historic setting. The intensity (loud crescendos, rapid light changes) may overwhelm very young children, hence the age limit.
Can I take photos or videos during the show?
No photography, video, or flash is allowed during the performance to preserve the immersive experience and protect the projection equipment. Professional photos are taken during final rehearsals and emailed post-show. You may take photos of the church interior before or after the show (without flash). Selfie sticks and tripods are prohibited. The lobby has a designated photo spot with the show logo.
Is the church accessible for wheelchairs or mobility issues?
Yes—the Votive Church is fully wheelchair-accessible with a ramp at the main entrance and designated spaces in the nave (first row). Assistive listening devices are available at the ticket office. The show is seated, with wide aisles for easy navigation. Elevators access all levels. Notify at booking for front-row seating. Companions receive complimentary entry if required.
What should I wear and expect temperature-wise?
Dress comfortably—smart casual is perfect. The church lacks air-conditioning, so summer evenings can reach 28–30°C inside (bring a fan or water). Winter temperatures drop to 10–15°C (bring layers). The nave has wooden pews with cushions. Avoid strong perfumes due to the enclosed space. The experience is seated throughout, with no walking required during the show.
