The Kirk of Highland is already a showstopper. The 135-year-old former church turned event venue in Denver’s Highland neighborhood feels like something out of Harry Potter. But while most people simply saw a beautiful building, Zürich-based artist collective Projektil found it to be a breathtaking blank canvas. The artists mapped out every corner of the Kirk’s sandstone walls, gables, and stained glass windows to use the structure itself as a medium for their latest project, Enlightenment, which debuted on March 28. Digital art—think falling leaves and trippy kaleidoscope gems—is projected onto the space in sync with The Four Seasons from composer Antonio Vivaldi.

Immersive art isn’t a new concept to the city—Lumonics Light & Sound Gallery in north Denver hosts weekly light-based exhibits, art collective Prismajic opened a permanent space in Colorado Mills Mall, and Meow Wolf has dominated the quirky art scene since its Denver debut in 2021. But carefully mapping the Kirk of Highland’s interior space takes an incredible attention to detail—one slight misalignment of a projector and the mistake is all too obvious.

And the tribute to Vivaldi is equally intentional and meant to appeal to audiences who aren’t necessarily classical music aficionados. “It’s universally known, emotionally rich, and already structured like a journey through time,” says Roman Beranek, creative director of Enlightenment. “By blending it with modern technology, we wanted to give people a new way to experience something they may already know.”

Enlightenment departs Denver at the end of May, so go soon. Here are five things to know before you go.

5 Tips for Getting the Most out of Enlightenment

A person admires the green and pink florals projected onto the interior of a building
Photo courtesy of Fever

1. Go VIP.

We get it—those sneaky add-ons can feel like a cash grab. But if you’re willing to shell out an extra $9.90 on top of your $15.90 ticket, you’ll be treated to a coveted spot: one of the bean bags under the Kirk of Highland’s massive organ. You’ll be glad for the splurge after watching your friends spend 30 minutes in the venue’s rickety wooden chairs.

2. Pick your seat wisely.

If paying $10 for a bean bag isn’t your thing, make sure to show up to the venue early (we recommend about 15 minutes) to ensure you get premium seating. While everyone else files to the front rows, you’ll want to head toward the back. That’s where you’ll catch the best view in the house without twisting your neck into a pretzel. And just in case, bring a neck pillow. You’re welcome.

3. Study Vivaldi.

No, you won’t be quizzed on the composer at the conclusion of the show, but we think you’ll appreciate Projektil’s immersive projections a little more if you know what you’re listening to. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons is a collection of four violin concerti that are each dedicated to, you guessed it, spring, summer, fall, and winter. At Enlightenment, spring immerses you in a blooming field of flowers, while you’ll know you’ve entered winter through the melancholic violins and icy visuals.

4. Keep an eye out for the grand finale.

The show is divided into six acts, with Vivaldi’s Four Seasons inspiring the first four, and Projektil’s own music label composing the last two, dubbed “Ignorance” and “Enlightenment.” With pulsing, classical-electronic beats and rainbow-like visuals, the final act is meant to bring viewers a sense of clarity and peace. “After the emotional journey through the seasons, ‘Enlightenment’ is like taking a deep breath,” Beranek says of the music. “It brings everything together in a crescendo of harmony.”

5. Find your zen.

We know that the last thing you’re feeling after struggling to find street parking in Highland is calm. But however you get to Enlightenment, we recommend taking a few minutes outside for some deep breaths. “Enlightenment isn’t just a spectacle, it’s a space to slow down,” Beranek says. “One guest called it a ‘gift to myself.’ That’s exactly what we hope for, that the show sparks memories, inspires, and reminds us of the good things.” In short, it’s a new way to unwind.

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Enlightenment is on view Thursday through Sunday at the Kirk of Highland at 3011 Vallejo Street in Denver. Tickets start at $15.90 for adults.

Barbara O'Neil
Barbara O'Neil
Barbara is one of 5280's associate editors and writes stories for 5280 and 5280.com.