The stained glass windows of Notre Dame de Paris Case

The proposal to replace the 19th-century stained glass windows designed by Viollet-le-Duc in Notre-Dame de Paris with contemporary artworks has sparked significant controversy.

These windows, located in six chapels along the south aisle of the nave, survived the 2019 fire and were meticulously restored.

However, there have been suggestions to replace them with modern creations to leave a contemporary mark on the cathedral.

This initiative has faced strong opposition from heritage conservationists and the public.

An online petition gathered over 250,000 signatures, calling for the preservation of the historic windows.

National Commission for Heritage and Architecture

The National Commission for Heritage and Architecture (CNPA) also issued a negative opinion on the project, citing the Venice Charter, which discourages replacing well-preserved historic elements.

Despite these objections, the French Ministry of Culture has launched a competition for new stained glass designs, with prototypes expected for the cathedral’s reopening in December 2024.

This has reignited the debate between preserving heritage and integrating contemporary art into historical monuments.

The debate underscores broader tensions between modernizing iconic sites and respecting their historical integrity, reflecting wider concerns about cultural heritage conservation.

Articles press

For more details, you can check these articles:

• The stained glass debate at Notre-Dame
• “The stained glass conflict at Notre-Dame is not a battle between the old and the new”
• “La Tribune de l’art ” Didier RYCKNER

• «Ce que le président veut, Dieu le veut» Le FigaroMy personnal heated rant :

My opinion

My opinion is not to refuse a contemporary creation but to preserve works of artists who preceded us where they were created, all the more so if they have been restored by public funds (or not) and are in good condition.

We are no longer in the 19th century ( argument of the Ministry of culture which advocates change by the fact of the “prince” and that we are more in ancient times while the ministry does the opposite ).

Especially since it is to be noted that there are locations in the adjacent chapels.

The National Commission for Heritage and Architecture (CNPA) issued a negative opinion on the proposal to replace Viollet-le-Duc’s stained glass windows at Notre-Dame de Paris with contemporary designs.

At a meeting on July 11, 2024, the commission unanimously rejected the idea of removing the historic stained glass windows, citing the Venice Charter, which advises against replacing well-preserved historical elements. (Source: Le Monde)

Despite this negative recommendation, the French Ministry of Culture relaunched the competition for new contemporary stained glass designs, with plans to install them by the end of 2026. (Source: Le Figaro)

This decision has sparked debates between advocates of integrating contemporary art into historical monuments and those committed to preserving existing heritage.

About Claire Tabouret and the others artists : soon