The Théâtre des Champs-Élysées, located near Paris’s famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, has seen the lighting in its main 1,900-capacity auditorium completely reimagined.
A new award-winning design by ProjetScénie, which received the 2025 LIT Award in the Heritage Lighting Design category, includes a modern, sustainable feature lighting solution from Anolis to illuminate the renowned glass ceiling centrepiece known as the “shield of light” and the surrounding fresco paintings.
ProjetScénie’s lead designer, Yann Jourdan, chose Anolis Calumma and Eminere LED fixtures to illuminate these highly specific elements and meet the meticulous attention to detail and creative approach required to achieve such striking results.
Built between 1911 and 1913, the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées was one of the first examples of Art Deco architecture in Paris. It is regarded as a landmark of modern construction and was declared a French monument historique in 1957.
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On his first visit to the theatre, Yann immediately saw the potential to transform the impressive glass ceiling centrepiece —35 metres in diameter and flower-shaped— into a dynamic and immersive lighting feature, using a sustainable, practical and aesthetically refined solution. In addition to being energy efficient, the brief called for a new “classical” signature lighting scheme for theatrical performances while also enabling colour changes for other special events and celebrations staged in the room.
Yann proposed making use of the “technical space” located between the theatre’s original concrete roof and the auditorium’s glass ceiling as the installation area for the luminaires.
To illuminate the glass, light is projected directly onto a white-painted ceiling surface using strategically positioned Anolis Calumma XL and Calumma M luminaires. This surface acts as a reflector, sending the light back onto the glass and allowing the 175 square metres of thick glass in the centrepiece to be coloured. Meanwhile, the Eminere2 fixtures illuminate the ring of fresco paintings around the perimeter, ensuring uniform and precise lighting of these decorative works. Originally, the paintings were lit with incandescent bulbs, later replaced by industrial fluorescents that were still in place when ProjetScénie began the intervention. The Eminere2 luminaires were also installed in this technical space, along with most of the wiring, all concealed from view.
According to Yann, one of the main challenges —and also one of the most rewarding aspects of the project— was the responsibility of renewing the lighting of such an iconic, historically significant space, adapting it to contemporary use without losing its essence.
He needed reliable, well-engineered fixtures with excellent colour mixing. For this project, Anolis luminaires met the technical requirements: colours, CRI, dimensions, IP/IK ratings, power supplies, controls, etc. Yann was also very pleased to be working with Anolis again. “We share the same values”, he noted.
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The 96 Eminere2 luminaires were installed in two rows of 48 units around the upper perimeter of the ceiling, concealed behind the lip of the glass. From this position, they provide a smooth and even illumination of the frescoes on the circular, scalloped ceiling.
In the previous installation, the fluorescents were disguised using scenic elements. However, these additional components were no longer necessary thanks to the more compact form factor of the Eminere2 fixtures and their 60 cm length, which proved ideal for a circular distribution of light. Their higher output and more directional beam allow the frescoes to be lit cleanly and elegantly. In addition, the Eminere2 luminaires also reflect light onto the second balcony, boosting ambient light levels in that area.
The 10 Calumma XL and 12 Calumma M luminaires were installed in the technical area, aligned with the centre of the glass ceiling and aimed at a white surface. In this way, the light reflects off that area and returns to the glass, illuminating it evenly. This Art Deco masterpiece was originally commissioned by Auguste Perret, who, together with his brother Gustave Perret, designed the building based on the architectural concept developed by Henry van de Velde.
The new lighting had to be perfect. It needed to be a true 21st-century solution for a pioneering 20th-century work of art, and using Anolis helped us achieve that, Yann commented.
Yann already knew that Anolis products are well designed and built with excellent robustness. “Overall, I really like them: the dimming is smooth and the colour mixing is outstanding. These two ranges met the project requirements”, he said. He added that while the IP rating was not critical in this case, in the ceiling void —where dust is present— it will be an advantage.
Bruno Francois, Anolis product specialist at Robe France, worked with the design team at the factory to create a special white calibration for the Eminere2 fixtures, covering the 1800 to 4000 Kelvin range. Extensive 3D modelling was also carried out to accurately predict the colour rendering on the glass surface. “As always, it was a pleasure to work with Bruno and his team”, Yann noted. He considers Anolis a serious brand and values being able to ask precise questions and receive quick answers, and that customisations are never an issue.
The luminaires are controlled via a Visual Production CueCore3 module with touch screen access. In addition, the Anolis fixtures can also be integrated into the Théâtre des Champs-Élysées house stage lighting console for certain events, where having a central control option is often advantageous. This further enhances adaptability.
The installation was carried out by D6 Bell Light (D6BL), who had to work quickly and accurately while the glass ceiling remained protected with rigid foam throughout the intervention. The entire project was delivered on a very short timeframe: just 7 weeks from the approval of the design concepts, so Yann also needed a manufacturing partner able to supply the equipment quickly.
Photos: Yann Jourdan (Projectscenie)
