Two Israeli companies, Yaturu and Yalla Digital, are set to launch a major extended reality (XR) tourism venture at the historic Palace of Versailles. This initiative is developed in partnership with France’s Firstep Production.
The “Light of Liberty” Installation
The new attraction, titled “Light of Liberty,” utilizes advanced XR headsets to transport visitors back into a simulated eighteenth-century environment at the renowned palace. The experience allows attendees to visually encounter historical figures and events without leaving the physical location.
According to reports detailing the launch on July 14, 2026, the technology offers a unique blend of immersion that differentiates it from standard virtual reality experiences. Instead of being confined to a purely digital space, XR enables tourists to physically walk among historical personages—such as George Washington and Benjamin Franklin—while remaining immersed in dramatic scenarios like secret diplomatic meetings and naval battles.
Immersive Storytelling and Development
Udi Regonis, CEO of Yaturu, highlighted the depth of the experience, stating that visitors will “do much more than just learn about the alliance between France and America; they feel it in their whole body, in every movement.” He explained that the developed XR system maintains a connection to the physical grandeur of the palace while layering an interactive element that revitalizes history for participants.
The development process was rapid, taking only six months from start to finish, encompassing content creation, game design, and production. Despite this quick turnaround, implementing the project presents significant logistical challenges, including managing a high volume of tourists, distributing headsets, staffing, and maintaining operational excellence at such a sensitive cultural site.
Historical Significance
The entire installation was designed to commemorate two major historical events: the 250th anniversary of the American Declaration of Independence and the enduring French-American alliance. Furthermore, the project is noted as a significant milestone for Israeli technological advancements, demonstrating that high technology extends beyond traditional software applications.
Shlomo Balas, Yaturu’s Vice President of Production and Content and director of the experience, emphasized the necessity of maintaining quality due to the site’s status. He commented:
This is a living, renowned, sensitive site, where every aspect of the experience is held to an exceptionally high international standard.
Balas further elaborated on the creative approach to the installation, describing spatial storytelling as creating an entirely new narrative world that requires building a story within physical space. He added that this design compels visitors to actively choose and discover their own experience by moving through the environment.
