LUMENAURA returns: International artists bring light, art, and innovation to Downtown Aurora

Illinois’ second-largest city has officially opened its second annual LUMENAURA Festival, transforming downtown Aurora into a radiant playground of interactive art and light. Curated by Monochronicle, an international studio known for reimagining public spaces through design and technology, the festival explores how emerging innovations can reshape the way communities experience art. Visitors are invited to explore large-scale installations by 15 acclaimed artists from the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Hungary, and Canada nightly until 26^th October 2025.

LUMENAURA offers an otherworldly experience that merges art exhibition and nighttime adventure. The festival’s theme this year is “Convergence” and explores the intersection of art, technology, and community. It features interactive displays designed to inspire exploration and self-expression – from enchanted fountains and participatory video walls to sound-reactive lightscapes and immersive projections. Highlights also include an interactive LED “Bonfire,” laser graffiti walls that let guests paint with light, and even a fully interactive light sculpture installed on a Metra train car running from Chicago to Aurora.

“LUMENAURA represents the next chapter of public art. As technology becomes more accessible, artists are transforming ordinary spaces into immersive worlds,” said Iryna Kanishcheva, Founder of Monochronicle. “We create shared experiences and invite visitors to be part of the artwork, connect with it through touch, sound, and movement.”

The free festival runs nightly through October 26, 2025, welcoming guests of all ages to stroll through Aurora’s Water Street Mall and historic downtown district.

“For the city, this is a wonderful opportunity to bring people downtown, support our local businesses, and celebrate creativity on a global scale,” said Jon Zaghloul, Communications Manager for the City of Aurora. “This year’s installations are spread throughout downtown, making it even more exciting for visitors to explore. It’s a chance to experience extraordinary art from around the world right here in Aurora.”

For more information on the festival and full line-up of artists, visit: https://experiencelumenaura.com.

 Image credit: Monochronicle.