capture-d-e-cran-2026-06-04-a-16-49-15

The stained glass windows of Notre-Dame taken down this summer, here’s what they’re going to become!

undefined undefined undefined 12h00

The Editor

©Claire Tabouret/ instagram

You might have missed it in the hustle and bustle of Parisian news, but something pretty amazing is happening at Notre-Dame right now. The six 19th-century stained glass windows that adorn the chapels of the south aisle are set to be removed at the end of June to make way for contemporary artworks. And that's causing quite a stir!

Since end of 2023 and the announcement from Emmanuel Macron, the plan is as follows: six stained glass windows created in 1864 by the painter Alfred Gérente, as part of the grand restoration project led by Violette-le-Duc, will be replaced by contemporary creations by Claire Tabouret and the Simon-Mara workshop. The installation is set for mid-October.

Result: over 350,000 signatures on a petition against the project, organizations taking legal action, the National Heritage Commission voting against it... In short, even after the fire and its reconstruction, Notre-Dame continues to stir up strong emotions!


So where are those stained glass windows going?

That's where it gets really interesting! The State has just made it official: four of the six panels will join the Château de Pierrefonds in Oise. The other two will be installed at the Cité de l'architecture and heritage, at Trocadéro, right across from the Eiffel Tower. All will be accessible to the public after restoration.


Pierrefonds, why it's a brilliant idea

The Château de Pierrefonds is not a randomly chosen spot. It’s another masterpiece by Viollet-le-Duc himself, completely reinvented by the architect between 1857 and 1879 for Napoleon III. Basically, the stained glass will literally reunite with its creator. Seeing all his works gathered in one place is just the kind of thing architecture and art history enthusiasts will absolutely adore, and it's a great excuse for a little weekend getaway from Paris—let’s be honest!


So what's the concept at the Trocadéro?

At the Cité de l’architecture, the approach will be different: the two panels will engage in dialogue with works from different eras, placing them back in the grand history of French stained glass. 

The contemporary works by Claire Tabouret and the Simon-Marq workshop are set to debut in mid-October at the cathedral. Life-size models have already been exhibited at the Grand Palais. What's the verdict from Parisians? Let's just say opinions are... quite divided.

 

Is the controversy over?

Spoiler: Nope! The administrative court rejected the request on May 19, mainly because the operation was deemed "reversible," as the new stained glass windows are the same size as the old ones and the metal frameworks are preserved. But the Sites & Monuments and SOS Paris associations keep fighting the good fight. The process is going to take months. The new stained glass will likely be installed long before the judges make a decision.

In the meantime, Notre-Dame is running at full capacity: 30,000 to 35,000 visitors per day since its reopening in December 2024. So, whether you love the cathedral in its 19th-century style or its 2026 version, it’s clear that it’s not done making headlines!