Projection mappings allow organizers to bring extra stopping power to all kinds of events: concert tours, festivals, and even fashion shows.
What is projection mapping?
What if you could bring even the most irregularly shaped objects to life? Projection mapping is a 3D video projection technique using light and colors to project virtual images on irregular shapes and non-flat surfaces like industrial sites, public buildings, city landmarks... Turning common objects into dynamic attention grabbing stages.
It's technological magic - magical technology.
Why 3D projection mappings?
There's a recent trend towards large-scale projection mappings inside buildings or industrial landscapes as part of unique digital art exhibitions.
The use of 3D mapping and augmented reality projections is also growing in the design of dark rides. Engaging visitors with interactive adventures & immersive experiences.
Boost tourism with mappings on iconic landmarks. Or trigger locals to rediscover the beauty of their city by shining a light on forgotten places.
Make your projection mapping catch the eye. Explore the Barco portfolio.
Projection mapping projectors
Our projection mapping projectors come in a wide range of brightness and resolutions. Thanks to the incredible color accuracy of their projection lasers, they are able to cover varying surfaces, from red bricks to shiny metallics. And their rugged design is the ideal solution for outdoor events.
Presentation switchers for 3D mappings
Our presentation switchers are the most advanced video processing and presentation control systems on the market today. They enable the perfect mix of virtual images with the physical world with zero-stress edge blending and image warping.
Projection mapping services
The show must go on! Our Barco Enable - Protect - Optimize packages offer a total modular service solution guaranteeing worry-free outcomes for all parties involved.
Useful projection mapping tools by Barco.
Barco Pulse
There's a world of powerful Barco projector firmware and software apps to achieve unmatched performances with optimized output quality and simplified workflows.
Barco lens calculator
Ultra-short throw, high-contrast or high-brightness. Find the lens for your projection mapping projectors in just a few clicks with the Barco lens calculator app.
Projection mapping references by Barco
View all projection mapping stories
2026 · France
Puy de Lumières raises the bar for monumental storytelling
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Auvergne volcanoes, Puy de Lumières has grown into one of France’s most ambitious heritage illumination trails. For its tenth season, the experience steps into a new chapter – powered by state-of-the-art Barco laser projection technology. Across iconic sites such as the Crozatier Museum, the Carmes Church, and the legendary Saint-Michel d’Aiguilhe Rock, light and storytelling come together to elevate the region’s cultural heritage into an immersive nighttime journey.
2026 · Wuxi, China
Barco projectors power the opening ceremony of the United Nations Day of Vesak
On May 26, the opening ceremony of the 21st United Nations Day of Vesak took place at the Lingshan Brahma Palace Theater in Wuxi. Vesak Day is a major Buddhist holiday that commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of the Buddha. This marked the first time the event was hosted in China. With its advanced visual technology, Barco created an immersive experience that seamlessly blended traditional wisdom with modern stage design.
2026 · China
From racetrack to skyline: F1 energy lights up Shanghai
In mid-March, the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 lit up Shanghai. As part of the city’s “Spring Debut Season” – a flagship Culture-Commerce-Tourism-Sports-Exhibition initiative – the Checkered Flag Carnival ran alongside the race, turning the event into a full city-wide experience. While the daytime program delivered interactive showcases and fan engagement, the real transformation happened after dark. Along the West Bund in Shanghai’s Xuhui District, Barco high-brightness projection brought iconic architecture to life. Landmark buildings became dynamic storytelling canvases, extending the speed, energy, and emotion of motorsport into Shanghai’s nighttime skyline.
2026 · United States
When light gives a voice to America’s first basilica
At the heart of Minneapolis, the Basilica of Saint Mary has become the stage for Luminiscence, an immersive 360° sound and light experience that reveals the story of America’s first basilica through projection, music and narration. Created specifically for this landmark, the show transforms the vast interior into a living canvas where architecture, faith and history unfold in light, inviting audiences to rediscover a national monument from an entirely new perspective.
Latest news on projection mapping technology and trends
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news · 3 min read · Jun 1, 2026
A sphere of influence: Pufferfish and Barco unveil PufferTouch 4 at InfoComm
Pufferfish is giving its signature spherical display a serious upgrade. But instead of starting from scratch, the team has focused on refining what already works – and doing it together with Barco. The result is PufferTouch 4, the next generation of the immersive platform, making its public debut at InfoComm 2026 on the Barco booth (N7231).
news · 3 min read · Feb 3, 2026
QDX reaches full color strength with new RGB models
Barco’s QDX story just added a colorful new chapter. The platform has now expanded with new RGB models. Think of it as a pick and mix range for themed entertainment and other high-profile venues. Choose the flavor you want, combine the strengths you need and get the visual punch your experience deserves.
news · 3 min read · Jan 28, 2026
Precision meets immersion: Barco and Scalable launch smart auto-alignment tool
Barco and Scalable Display Technologies have joined forces to tackle one of the trickiest parts of immersive installations: aligning multiple projectors. The result? A new camera-based auto-alignment software tool fully integrated into Barco’s Pulse platform making multi-channel alignment faster, smarter, and more reliable than ever.
news · 3 min read · Oct 8, 2025
Painting a sharper picture: Barco's SuperShift® technology
At the core of our I600 is Barco’s new and patented SuperShift® technology. The combination of Barco’s own pixel-shift algorithms with the latest developments in super-resolution technology refines the 4K projection quality with smoother images and sharper pixels at remarkably low latency. Here’s a quick peek of how that works.
Frequently asked questions
Projection mapping is the key to strong storytelling, innovative marketing and just all-round entertainment. However, it does require skills and deliberate planning to create the visual feast you envision. Here's what to keep in mind.
3D imaging naturally adds some extra challenges to the projection. The surfaces of 3D objects can vary in form, color, structure, etc. It’s important to keep these things in mind throughout the process to make sure your projection mapping is eye-catching. Find out more about what elements you need to consider before building a projection mapping system.
The nature of projection mapping is that great ideas need great execution. The potential gains are currently high - but so is the investment. The tools and services must meet very high standards of quality and reliability to deliver the maximum impact as well as smooth, continued service over time.
Until recently, the projection mapping sector had been following a pretty linear path of one-off projections onto buildings at tourist locations or for seasonal or commercial promotions. But lately, more diverse applications have emerged as major drivers. This has changed the business models that are available. Read more about the ins and outs of these mappings?