Notre-Dame de Paris
Presented by ARTscapades in partnership with the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, this illustrated lecture explores the long and dramatic history of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, from its foundation in 1163 to the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, which destroyed its attic, roof, and spire. The talk also covers the monumental restoration efforts that have been underway to prepare the cathedral for its grand reopening on 8 December 2024.
The story of Notre-Dame begins in 1163, when Bishop Sully laid the first stone on the Île de la Cité, at the heart of medieval Paris. One of the earliest Gothic cathedrals, it took 182 years to complete. Over the centuries, this architectural marvel hosted defining moments in French history, including the coronation of a young King Henry VI of England, the marriage of Henri IV and Marguerite de Valois, and the crowning of Napoléon I as Emperor.
After falling into neglect during the Revolution, Notre-Dame was restored by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who added the iconic spire that tragically burned in 2019. Thanks to global donations and the work of dedicated craftsmen, the extensive fire damage is being repaired, and the cathedral is set to reopen in December 2024, ready to reclaim its place as a symbol of Paris and French heritage.
Russell Kelley is the author of The Making of Paris: The Story of How Paris Evolved from a Fishing Village into the World’s Most Beautiful City (Lyons Press, 2021). He has lived in Paris for over 30 years – and next to Notre-Dame for the past 20. He will attend the first mass celebrated in the rebuilt cathedral on 8th December.
This event will be recorded. Ticket holders are emailed a link to view the recording afterwards which is available for one month. Proceeds from ARTscapades ticket sales benefit museums, galleries and other arts-based organisations and projects.
This is an online event hosted on Zoom which can be watched live with Q&A, or on-demand for one month afterwards. You will receive your link to access the event in your email confirmation and the on-demand link after the event ends.