Architectural conservationists oppose plans to replace undamaged stained glass windows at Notre Dame with new designs, following the fire five years ago. Thousands have signed a petition against the Macron-backed restoration, which proposes adding contemporary elements to the historic cathedral.
The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral
The iconic Parisian landmark is anticipated to reopen for visitors and Catholic masses by the end of 2024, just under six years after a destructive fire. The restoration project is on schedule to meet the deadline of December 8, 2024, as established by President Emmanuel Macron in the aftermath of the fire.
Unfortunately, it will not be ready in time for the Paris Olympics scheduled for the summer of 2024.
Culture Minister Abdul-Malak stated that while the cathedral will be accessible to the public, it does not imply the completion of all renovation work. He further noted that there will still be ongoing renovation activities in 2025.
Macron’s plan to add contemporary elements to the Gothic edifice
During a recent visit to the 13th-century cathedral, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed plans to remove and replace the windows in six of the seven chapels in the south aisle with contemporary stained-glass creations selected through a competition. The concept is said to have originated from Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who proposed the commissioning of six new windows to the Élysée, reported the Guardian.
Macron expressed full approval of the idea, stating that the windows earmarked for replacement, designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, would be preserved in a newly established Notre Dame Museum.
Criticism has emerged over a plan with opponents denouncing it as “vandalism.” Over 120,000 people have signed a petition advocating for the preservation of the original windows, arguing that the proposed change would disrupt the architectural harmony of the historic structure, which suffered a devastating fire in April 2019.
The petition emphasises the coherence of Viollet-le-Duc’s original design and urges the retention of the historic windows.
Didier Rykner, the founder of the online magazine La Tribune de l’Art, who initiated the petition, suggested a more fitting contemporary approach would involve commissioning new windows for the cathedral’s north tower, where firefighters bravely battled to save the structure during the fire. Rykner argued that installing stained-glass windows in the north tower would not compromise Viollet-le-Duc’s vision and would pay tribute to the firefighters who risked their lives. He proposed this as a sensible solution that could satisfy all parties and provide visitors with additional attractions.
This is the second time Macron has come under fire for suggesting a more contemporary gesture for the reconstruction of the cathedral. Previously, he had backed the idea of an inventive spire, but the idea was abandoned after a widespread public backlash.
Last November the new spire, which closely resembles the original one for installed.
Restoration of the Cathedral
The reconstruction of the iconic Parisian landmark has been a monumental undertaking. It commenced in 2022 after over two years of efforts to stabilise and secure the monument, allowing artisans to initiate the rebuilding process.
Authorities have decided to restore the 12th-century masterpiece of Gothic art to its original state. This involves replicating the 96-meter-high spire from the 19th century, designed by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc. According to General Georgelin, the army general in charge of the reconstruction project, the reinstallation of the spire serves as a powerful symbol of its resurgence to the people of France and that they are winning the battle of Notre Dame.
Approximately 1,000 individuals throughout France are engaged in the daily restoration efforts for Notre Dame. “We have a lot of different works to achieve: the framework, the painting, the stones, the vault, the organ, the stained glasses, and so on,” explained Georgelin.
Tribute to the artisans
In 2023, an exhibition titled ‘Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site’ opened, honouring the numerous artisans engaged in the reconstruction efforts. The exhibit is situated in an underground facility facing the cathedral and is open to the public without charge.
The display spotlights the ongoing restoration activities for the cathedral, showcasing the skills and expertise of artisan workers, and includes some artworks saved from the fire.
Simultaneously, at the Louvre, an exhibition titled ‘Notre-Dame Cathedral: From Its Origins to Viollet-le-Duc’ is running until January 29, 2024. This exhibition offers a condensed history of the cathedral’s treasury, featuring over 120 works.