An immersive hotel experience where hospitality meets themed entertainment

Unveiled in September, 2022, The Grand Magic Hotel re-imagines what it means to “be transported.” Developed over a two year period by multimedia studio Moment Factory and global investment manager Schroders, the property located in the Paris region 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.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

The hotel’s multimedia-based transformation was inspired by Moment Factory’s work in theme park attractions, and a goal of using themed entertainment to complement and enhance the hotel’s practical functions.

Merging hospitality and entertainment, the hotel offers a 360 multimedia experience positioned to engage new and returning guests throughout their stay.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

A glimpse into the Magic that awaits

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.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

The hotel’s 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 illusions that blur the line between the real and the extraordinary.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

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.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

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.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

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.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

Re-imagining the hotel experience 

The Schroders team wanted to bring a whole new kind of visitor experience to the Grand Magic hotel through spectacular moments shaped by innovative technology. Moment Factory was able to fulfill this mandate, all while understanding Schroders' operational needs.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

Moment Factory’s contributions to the hotel’s transformation include the creation of an original story world filled with unique animated characters and environments. Fusing lighting, soundscapes, technology, and digital content, the studio developed an experience inspired by glamorous hotels and the majesty of French castles.

A primary goal was to encourage families and friends to spend time in the Hotel’s Grand Hall, where they can gather, enjoy themed drinks, and take in dynamic content. A seamless layer of multimedia and spatialized sound accommodates multiple viewpoints, ensures illusion from every angle, and fosters an emotional relationship between the guests and their surroundings.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

Collaborators

Under Moment Factory’s creative direction, Tétris Design & Build were responsible for the production and installation of the Hotel’s scenographic elements.

The decor of these reinvented spaces was taken up by Maison Numéro 20, who 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.

Photo credit: Moment Factory

About Moment Factory

Moment Factory is a multimedia studio with a full range of production expertise under one roof. Its team combines specializations in video, lighting, architecture, sound, and special effects to create remarkable experiences. Headquartered in Montreal, the studio also has addresses in Tokyo, Paris, New York City, and Singapore.

Since its inception in 2001, Moment Factory has created more than 525 unique projects worldwide, including the Lumina Night Walk series. Productions span the globe and include clients such as Changi Airport, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal, Disney, Arcade Fire, Microsoft, Sony, Boston Museum of Science, Madonna, Cipriani, Universal Studios, the Toronto Zoo, and the Reims Cathedral.