Notre-dame De Paris: A Free Exhibition Under The Square Of The Cathedral
From today, Tuesday, March 7, 2023 until the reopening of this iconic monument of the capital, a free exhibition is dedicated to Notre-Dame de Paris and its restoration. This exhibition entitled 'Notre-Dame de Paris : au cœur du chantier' invites you to discover the work of the hundreds of men and women who are rebuilding the burned cathedral.
A monument under reconstruction
Since a terrible fire damaged Notre Dame de Paris on April 15, 2019, this cathedral, which was the most visited monument in Europe, can no longer accommodate tourists.
However, starting today, Tuesday, March 7, 2023, a new tourist attraction is expected to bring visitors back to the cathedral's forecourt, or rather, below! The free exhibition Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site is held as close as possible to this emblematic monument of the capital in the former parking lot, on an area of 300 square meters.
Until the cathedral reopens to the public, scheduled for the end of 2024, this tour promises to provide visitors with a wealth of details and quite a few surprises about this world-famous building.
The highlights of the site
As its title suggests, the exhibition 'Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site' aims to immerse visitors in the highlights of this titanic construction site. Tourists from all over the world will be able to discover the various renovation operations underway on the construction site and the know-how required to rebuild the famous Gothic cathedral.
The fire on April 15, 2019 destroyed the wooden frame and its crossing leading to the collapse of part of the vaulted ceilings. Following an impressive outpouring of solidarity, 846 million euros have been raised to rebuild the prestigious building as close to its original state as possible. These funds came from some 340,000 donors from 150 countries!
In this free exhibition, visitors can discover, among other things:
- an immersive film on the highlights of the cathedral's renovation from the day of the fire until today (March 2023)
- an educational model of the cathedral on a scale of 1:55, showing six key operations in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris
A tribute to companions and craftsmen
The exhibition Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site pays tribute to the men and women who possess a unique know-how and work daily on this renovation.
This site involves no less than 1000 people, including 500 companions! These professionals are organ builders, craftsmen, rope makers or stone cutters and have skills that are out of the ordinary.
The exhibition tour presents a fresco of the trades that allows you to measure the full extent of the skills involved. The exhibition, which is very instructive on these exciting trades, even hopes to inspire vocations!
It also includes 8 thematic islands explaining the main operations of the site in the light of relics, works of art, diagrams, animated films and short videos devoted to the trades involved in this titanic site.
It is very moving to see the remains of the fire and the works of art from the cathedral up close. Among the most remarkable works of art in the exhibition, you will be able to admire an angel's head that fell 33 meters making it impossible to restore and the stained glass windows that will soon take their place in the cathedral.
Rich in lessons and amazing works of art, this exhibition offers an exciting immersion in a historic and unusual construction site. An event not to be missed!
Practical information
The exhibition runs from Tuesday, March 7, 2023 until the end of December 2024. It is accessible free of charge and without reservation
Address
Maison du chantier et des métiers - Espace Notre-Dame
Entrance facing 6 rue de la Cité
75004 Paris
Schedules
Open Tuesday through Sunday: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Fees
Free access without reservation
