HERITAGE ❘ NOTRE-DAME DE PARIS
This image and right: Looking up at the ongoing structural works; a new photo exhibition about the renovation has recently opened on the metal perimeter fence
“WE ARE ALL PART OF A LIVING HISTORY – AND THOSE WHO VISIT NOW HAVE A RARE CHANCE TO SEE AND BE A PART OF THIS EXCITING NEW CHAPTER”
generation of carpenters in the process? It would still be possible to shore up the structure within five years – meaning that the cathedral could also welcome visitors again within the desired time frame.” Which brings us nicely on to the other major talking point – the overall timeline for the project. When Macron famously announced a goal of five years for the restoration to be completed, possibly with an eye on the 2024 Olympics, this was met with more than a few raised eyebrows. But there does seem to be a general consensus now that, vaults permitting, it might just be feasible for the cathedral to at least be accessible again within five years. Then, alongside welcoming visitors, the rest of the renovation could continue for as long as needed. In fact, it could even be a part of the experience. “While the aim seems to be to complete the main structural work by 2024, other things – such as the restoration of the organ and the stained-glass – will be going on for years,” says Olivier de Châlus, a former supervisor of the official tour guides, who is doing a PhD on the cathedral’s construction. “So, the idea would be to welcome visitors again, but that the ongoing renovation would be incorporated into their visit.”
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE “Equally importantly, we need to think of the human patrimony of the cathedral; for example, many of the tour guides were in their 60s, so, if we wait much longer, there is a danger that some of them won’t come back. Then all that specialist knowledge will be lost for ever.” Meanwhile, though the cathedral itself may be out of bounds, there are several ways that people can stay connected with Notre-Dame. For example, services are still being held at other nearby churches – and the celebrated musicians of the cathedral are continuing to stage concerts at other venues.
Furthermore, an exhibition of photos, showing the extent of the disaster and the scale of the restoration work, has recently been installed on the perimeter fence. With explanatory text in both French and English, it’s become an important new focal point for visitors. In addition, the aforementioned copper cockerel is now on display at the Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine – along with statues from the
62 ❘ FRANCE TODAY Apr/May 2020
spire – and there’s even talk of a major exhibition showcasing Notre-Dame’s other treasures. For now, though, many people take pleasure simply in seeing the cathedral still standing – with the building once more being lit up at night. It should also be noted that the rest of this vibrant area is still very much open for business. “In the absence of visiting Notre-Dame, visitors will find a neighbourhood full of charming boutiques and restaurants to discover,” says Jane Bertch, founder of the international cookery school, La Cuisine Paris, which is just across the Seine from the cathedral. “At the end of the day, we are all part of a living history – and those who visit now have a rare chance to see and be a part of this exciting new chapter for Notre-Dame.” FT If you would like to donate to the Notre-Dame appeal, visit
don.fondationnotredame.fr/cathedrale
TALKING TECH If there is one silver lining that can be found in the Notre-Dame fire, it is the opportunities it offers to learn more about the history of the cathedral, the techniques used to build it and even the climate during medieval times. For example, the oak trees used to construct the roof’s wooden structure grew during a hot spell in Europe known as the Medieval Warm Period. The frame’s scorched beams, now being meticulously documented and analysed, could provide further details of this – perhaps even helping us to better understand contemporary climate change. Also, even now, little is known about the construction of the cathedral – such as the techniques used by the builders to lift such heavy blocks of stone so far off the ground. It is hoped that a deeper study of the materials used could provide vital clues.
Needless to say, state-of-the-art technology is being utilised throughout every aspect of the process – from a microscopic study of the surviving remnants of the blaze in order to give an exact diagnosis of Notre-Dame’s condition, to the remote-controlled robots removing debris from the nave. In addition, experts have been able to call on exact digital plans of the
cathedral created prior to the fire by French architectural scanning firm, AGP, who had mapped every last millimetre of the structure.
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