Notre-Dame's 13th-century great rose window to be restored for first time in 170 years
The public organization Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris has revealed a restoration timeline for the cathedral, projected to last until 2033 and necessitating nearly €150 million. Among the primary initiatives is the restoration of the grand rose window, measuring 9.60 meters in diameter, located on the western facade and dating back to the early 1220s; it survived the fire on April 15, 2019. This window has undergone only two significant restorations, in the 16th century and in 1855. Additionally, the north facade, which features a Virgin and Child portal, will be cleaned. Future projects include the restoration of the chevet in 2025, the sacristy exterior in 2026, and the choir tribune stained glass. Six new windows by Claire Tabouret will be displayed at the Grand Palais from December 2025 to March 2026. Around €130 million still needs to be secured through donations.
Key facts
- The great rose window of Notre-Dame de Paris, built in the early 1220s, will be restored for the first time in over 170 years.
- The restoration is part of a program extending to 2033, with nearly €150 million in total work needed.
- The window measures 9.60 meters in diameter and survived the 2019 fire.
- Previous restorations occurred in the 16th century and in 1855 by Nicolas Coffetier and Louis Charles Auguste Steinheil.
- The north facade, built under architect Jean de Chelles in the mid-13th century, will also be restored.
- Six new contemporary stained glass windows by Claire Tabouret will replace existing bays in the south aisle chapels.
- The towers reopened to the public in autumn 2025.
- Approximately €130 million of the €150 million total remains to be raised through patronage.
Entities
Artists
- Claire Tabouret
- Nicolas Coffetier
- Louis Charles Auguste Steinheil
- Jean de Chelles
- Viollet-le-Duc
Institutions
- Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- Grand Palais
- Connaissance des Arts
- Cour des comptes
- Établissement public chargé de la restauration de Notre-Dame de Paris
- Le Journal des Arts
Locations
- Paris
- France
- rue du Cloître Notre-Dame
- Notre-Dame de Paris
- 6 Parvis Notre Dame - Place Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris
- rue du Cloître-Notre-Dame