Row over Notre-Dame's stained glass re-ignites

In December 2023, the archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, and Macron announced that the windows, commissioned by architects Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and Jean-Baptiste Lassus, would be replaced by contemporary creations, triggering a backlash from experts.

Experts and architects argue that the plans to replace the chapels' original windows violate the Venice Charter and cultural heritage guidelines, which emphasize preserving integral elements of historical monuments.

Macron launched an international competition for a new spire after the fire at Notre-Dame, but the backlash led to a unanimous decision from the National Heritage and Architecture Commission to restore the original design.

This summer, the National Heritage and Architecture Commission unanimously rejected Macron's plan to replace the windows, reaffirming its commitment to preserving historical elements of the cathedral.

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