INDIA: One of India’s most iconic heritage landmarks has been transformed into an immersive storytelling canvas with the launch of Secrets in Stone, a permanent projection mapping experience at the 17th-century Leh Palace. Powered by Christie laser projection technology, the installation combines large-scale visuals with the monument’s distinctive architecture to create what is believed to be one of the world’s highest permanent projection mapping experiences.

Implemented by India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), the multimedia attraction was conceived and delivered by CS Direkt Events & Exhibitions Pvt. Ltd. Situated at an elevation of more than 3,500 metres (11,500 feet) in the Himalayas, the project presented significant creative and engineering challenges, demanding a projection solution capable of delivering exceptional brightness, image quality and reliability in an extreme outdoor environment.

To illuminate the expansive façade, CS Direkt deployed two 30,000-lumen Christie 3DLP laser projectors alongside a 12,000-lumen Christie 1DLP laser projector. The projection system was supported by dedicated media servers, DVI extension technology and signal distribution infrastructure, enabling precisely mapped visuals that interact seamlessly with the palace’s architectural features.

“The vision for ‘Secrets in Stone’ was to create an experience where technology serves the story and the architecture, not the other way around,” said Sanjeev Pasricha, Group CEO of CS Direkt. “Leh Palace is an extraordinary heritage structure with immense cultural and architectural presence, so every aspect of the projection design had to respond sensitively to its form, texture, and setting. Christie’s laser projection technology gave us the brightness, reliability, and image performance needed to deliver a visually compelling experience in an extremely demanding environment.”

The projection content was specifically designed to complement the palace’s unique architectural character. Images were accurately mapped across the irregular façade, allowing visuals to interact with windows, recesses, ledges, textured surfaces and the building’s prominent vertical geometry.

Pasricha noted that the projection system forms the visual centrepiece of the experience, bringing the monument to life after dark while respecting its historic identity. “The result is a richly immersive experience that makes the monument appear alive while preserving its historic identity,” he added.

Operating at high altitude introduced a range of environmental challenges, including freezing temperatures, strong winds, dust and low-oxygen conditions. To ensure dependable long-term performance, the Christie projectors were installed within custom-designed weatherproof enclosures incorporating temperature and humidity control, managed airflow systems and ruggedised mounting solutions.

The installation was further supported by extensive site integration work, including dedicated projector foundations, trenching and underground cable infrastructure, together with comprehensive winter testing and calibration. These measures were implemented to maintain stable operation and precise image alignment throughout the year in one of Asia’s most demanding projection environments.

“Projection mapping on a heritage monument like Leh Palace requires far more than brightness alone. It demands precision, durability, and the ability to deliver stunning images consistently in very challenging outdoor conditions. We’re delighted that CS Direkt has selected our high-brightness laser projectors for this landmark installation, where they play a pivotal role in creating a powerful visual experience that respects the architecture while bringing it to life in a truly memorable way,” commented Rishubh Nayar, ProAV Sales Director for India, Christie.