Legal Challenge Filed Over Replacement of Notre-Dame's Historic Stained Glass
A heritage group contests the plan to replace Eugène Viollet-le-Duc's historic windows with contemporary designs, citing preservation laws and donor intent.
- The association Sites & Monuments has filed a legal challenge to stop the replacement of six stained-glass windows in Notre-Dame de Paris created by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, which are classified as historic monuments.
- The French government and President Emmanuel Macron support the installation of contemporary stained glass by artist Claire Tabouret, selected through a competition in December 2024, as part of the cathedral's restoration post-2019 fire.
- Critics argue that the replacement violates the Venice Charter of 1965, which discourages altering historic monuments, and claim the public body overseeing Notre-Dame's restoration lacks authority to commission new artwork.
- The association also alleges misuse of donor funds, asserting that contributions intended for restoration are being improperly used to facilitate the new stained-glass project.
- The new windows are scheduled for installation by late 2025, but further legal challenges are expected, potentially delaying the project.
Le Nouvel Obs 
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