Petra Storytelling
Permanent projection mapping on the Treasury facade in Petra, Jordan — 250 000 visitors a year.
- 30Minutes of content
- 820 000 ANSI projectors
- 250kVisitors every year
- 40×25 mCanvas on the Treasury
- 12.5MPixels
- 2025Permanent since
Petra by Night is a permanent projection mapping installation on the 40-metre rock facade of the Treasury (Al-Khazneh) in Jordan, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
Imagine walking through a narrow desert canyon in Jordan, guided only by the soft glow of candlelight, until you emerge before one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. There, you gather on traditional mats, reminiscent of sitting around an ancient campfire. Suddenly, the spirit of the desert appears, projecting the rich history of this mysterious place directly onto the spectacular 40-meter-high rock facade of the Treasury.
We are incredibly proud to have stood out in a highly competitive global selection process involving top studios from around the world. Our success stemmed from our ability to merge extensive storytelling expertise with striking, cutting-edge visuals.
The experience relies on high-lumens projection technology. The system is entirely non-invasive, using pure light to interpret the delicate UNESCO World Heritage site without physical alterations or heavy infrastructure. A synchronized multi-channel soundscape plays over hidden speakers, completely surrounding the canyon with music and narration.
The Candlelit Walk
The journey begins at 8:30 PM with a quiet 1.2-kilometre trek through the Siq. This towering, narrow canyon is entirely illuminated by over 1 500 to 2 000 hand-placed candles. Visitors are asked to walk in silence to appreciate the echoing desert atmosphere and the stars overhead.
The Treasury Performance
The path opens up to the iconic Treasury (Al-Khazneh). Here, the facade is glowing in warm candlelight while guests sit on traditional Bedouin mats.
The Projection Mapping Finale
The highlight of the show is the 3D projection mapping display cast directly onto the Treasury's rock-cut facade. This multimedia light and sound show uses advanced animations to illustrate the historical evolution of Petra, flashing vivid colours, geometric Nabataean patterns and cultural imagery across the monument.
An original poem by Jan Drozda was commissioned exclusively for this project. In the serene stillness of the nighttime archaeological park, audiences encounter the spirit of the desert, who narrates the site's rich history through an epic poem. Intentionally moving away from rapid, abstract visuals and jarring electronic beats, the narrative focuses on the Nabataean civilization that built this monument more than two millennia ago.
