Reopening of the Archaeological Crypt at Notre Dame
The archaeological crypt at Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris has reopened with a captivating exhibition, 17 months after the storied cathedral suffered a devastating fire. Although the crypt was unaffected by the blaze, it had to be closed for a thorough toxic lead-dust decontamination process.
Exhibition Highlights
The exhibition is titled Notre-Dame de Paris from Victor Hugo to Eugène Viollet-le-Duc and takes place at the Crypte Archéologique de l’île de la Cité, conveniently located just below the cathedral’s parvis. This exhibition focuses on the pivotal roles both Victor Hugo and Eugène Viollet-le-Duc played in transforming Notre-Dame into the cherished landmark it is today.
At the beginning of the 19th century, as Notre-Dame reached its 500th anniversary, it was beleaguered by vandalism and neglect. Its deteriorating condition prompted discussions about its potential demolition, a tragic fate for such an iconic structure.
The Impact of Literature and Restoration
This scenario dramatically changed following the publication of Victor Hugo’s novel, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, which featured the cathedral as a central character. Consequently, the novel’s widespread popularity ignited a public movement aimed at preserving Notre-Dame, initiating a major restoration project led by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc from 1844 to 1864. His goal was to honor the medieval architecture while also incorporating inventive elements. Notably, he drew inspiration from Hugo’s novel to design sculptures, particularly the grotesques perched high on the cathedral.
Visitor Experience
Visitors to the exhibition can expect to encounter a range of historical artifacts, including delicate photographs, artwork, and film excerpts. One notable film featured is Notre Dame Eternelle, which provides additional context about the cathedral’s history. Furthermore, attendees will have the opportunity to explore remnants of Gallo-Roman fortifications and ancient thermal baths located within the crypt. This exhibition marks a significant milestone as the first segment of the larger cathedral complex to reopen since the catastrophic fire in April 2019.
For additional information, please visit the website here.
