Restored By Light

Dog laying on grass in front of white building with the Flag of Texas superimposed on building. Restored By Light is a community-wide showcase of the intricate and vivid frescoes that were once visible on the facades of San Antonio's Missions.

Widely proclaimed as an inspiring and exciting celebration of culture, art and heritage, Restored By Light attracts over 3,000 attendees at each event.

Restored by Light is back Friday, February 13, 2026!

Event Details

History

Mission Concepción: 2015, 2017
The first Restored By Light event was held in 2015 at Mission Concepción, where there is the most remaining evidence of the frescoes. The event gave the community a chance to experience and enjoy the mission in its original appearance without creating permanent changes that could affect the authenticity of the site.
Mission San José: 2016, 2019, 2021, 2025
In 2016, Restored By Light was expanded to include the "Queen of the Missions," Mission San José.
Mission San Juan: Tricentennial, 2018
To celebrate San Antonio’s Tricentennial, instead of historical frescos, we had artist Louis Vega Trevino create original designs to highlight the mission’s architecture. He’s an artist known for his vivid pattern making and hand-drawn aesthetic.

Gallery

Mission San José seen with project light showing the white, yellow and red plaster pattern.

The lights show the original facade.

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Dancers in front of Mission San José.

Dancers honor their heritage before the show.

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Mission San José lit up with projected lights showing a Texas flag and an animated horse silhouette.

The light covers the front of the Mission.

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Children sitting in the grass.

Restored by Light is a family friendly event.

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People taking photos of Mission San José up near the front door.

Visitors posing in front of the projection.

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Related Links

Seeing the Missions in a New (Old) Way

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