A Paris court has recently upheld a decision allowing the removal of six 19th-century stained-glass windows from Notre-Dame Cathedral, designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. This decision permits the installation of contemporary windows, a move that has sparked significant debate among preservationists.
The Paris Administrative Court ruled that the new windows, crafted by artist Claire Tabouret and glassmakers Simon-Marq, could be removed in the future, and emphasized that the original windows will be preserved. Therefore, the court determined that the project does not represent an irreversible change to the historic site, thus not warranting an urgent suspension of the work. However, the judge did not address the legality of the project, leaving room for further legal challenges.
The initiative, proposed by French President Emmanuel Macron, aims to modernize Notre-Dame's windows and has ignited controversy across France. Following its announcement, over 130,000 individuals signed a petition advocating for the preservation of the original stained glass, which survived the catastrophic fire that damaged the cathedral in 2019.
Despite the backlash, an international competition was held to design the replacement windows, with the requirement that they be figurative. Tabouret's design, selected from 110 entries, portrays a diverse congregation during Pentecost, reflecting her unique artistic style while incorporating elements from the original windows.
Supporters of the new windows argue that Notre-Dame has always evolved, integrating new artistic expressions throughout its history. Philippe Jost, who oversees the cathedral's restoration, expressed that the goal is to enrich the narrative of Pentecost while ensuring harmony with existing artwork.
Given Notre-Dame's status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, any significant alterations are complex. The Sites & Monuments organization has indicated plans to legally contest the removal of the original windows once the construction permit is finalized.
Time is of the essence for those opposing the changes, as Bernard Blistène, former director of the Centre Pompidou, noted that Tabouret and her team are diligently working to complete the new windows by the end of 2026.
