The fire that ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019 was a devastating moment for history, art, and architecture. Yet, it also ignited one of the most ambitious restoration projects in modern memory. For medievalists and historians, the rebuilding of Notre-Dame offers a unique lens to explore the intersection of medieval craftsmanship, modern science, and cutting-edge research.
The Night the Flames Rose
On the evening of April 15, 2019, a fire broke out in the attic of Notre-Dame Cathedral, an area nicknamed “the forest” due to its dense oak timber framework dating back to the 13th century. The blaze began around 6:50 PM and quickly spread through the wooden beams, fanned by strong winds and the highly combustible materials. By the time firefighters arrived, the flames had engulfed the roof, threatening the cathedral’s iconic spire and treasured interiors.
Advertisement
The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit or a stray cigarette from ongoing restoration work, though investigators could not pinpoint the exact source. Despite the swift response of emergency teams, the spire collapsed less than two hours after the fire started, followed by much of the roof.
Photo by Milliped / Wikimedia Commons
Securing Notre-Dame: Protecting the Fragile Remains
In the immediate aftermath, experts conducted thorough assessments to determine the structural integrity of the remaining edifice. Protective measures, such as installing temporary supports and weatherproof coverings, were swiftly implemented to shield the cathedral’s interior from further deterioration. To prevent additional collapse, engineers erected extensive scaffolding to stabilize the cathedral’s structure. This included reinforcing the flying buttresses and other critical elements. The removal of over 200 tons of melted scaffolding from previous restoration efforts was a delicate operation, essential for ensuring the safety of both the structure and the workers involved.
Advertisement
Global Support for Notre-Dame
Fundraising efforts for the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral began within hours of the fire, drawing unprecedented support from individuals, corporations, and governments worldwide. Among the major contributors were Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, who committed €200 million, a sum matched by the Bettencourt Meyers family, owners of L’Oréal. François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, also pledged €100 million to the reconstruction.
In addition to these substantial pledges, around 340,000 donors from over 150 countries contributed to the restoration fund, collectively raising more than €840 million. By 2024, the restoration efforts even accumulated a surplus of €140 million, earmarked for future restoration phases and ongoing maintenance to ensure the cathedral’s preservation for generations to come.
In late 2019, a specialised organisation known as Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris was established. Under the supervision of the French Ministry of Culture, its mission is to oversee, coordinate, and carry out the studies and operations contributing to the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral. This organisation has played a pivotal role in ensuring the restoration adheres to both historical accuracy and modern safety standards.
Photo courtesy the Office of the French President
Preserving the Treasures of Notre-Dame
During the fire, a concerted effort was made to safeguard the cathedral’s invaluable treasures. Firefighters formed a human chain to rescue precious artifacts, including the revered Crown of Thorns and the tunic of Saint Louis. These items were initially stored overnight at Paris City Hall before being transferred to the Louvre Museum for conservation and safekeeping.
Advertisement
As part of the preservation efforts, the Louvre held a special exhibition titled The Treasury of Notre-Dame Cathedral: From Its Origins to Viollet-le-Duc. This exhibition featured over 120 works, including illuminated medieval manuscripts, relics, and paintings, offering the public an opportunity to explore the treasury’s rich history while restoration of the cathedral continued.
The interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral faced extensive damage from the 2019 fire, including charred wooden beams, crumbled stonework, and soot-covered surfaces. Restoration teams worked meticulously to repair and restore the sacred space, ensuring that its historic and spiritual integrity remained intact.
One of the most significant challenges was cleaning the soot and ash that had coated the cathedral’s stone walls, floors, and vaulted ceilings. Specialists employed laser cleaning and chemical treatments to gently remove the grime without damaging the original materials. The fire also weakened parts of the vaulted ceiling, which required careful reinforcement. Damaged sections were repaired using lime mortar, a material compatible with the original medieval construction techniques.
Advertisement
Photo courtesy the Office of the French President
Stained glass windows, some of which dated back to the 13th century, were carefully inspected and restored. Although the iconic rose windows miraculously survived, many smaller panes sustained heat damage. Expert artisans painstakingly replaced these fragments while preserving the intricate designs.
The wooden pews, altar, and other liturgical furnishings, heavily damaged by the fire and water, were either restored or replaced using historical references. Meanwhile, efforts to preserve and restore the great organ involved cleaning soot from over 8,000 pipes and repairing heat-damaged components.
The Stone Restoration
One of the organisations that Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris worked with was BRGM, the French geological survey. They were tasked with identifying and selecting stones that would match the aesthetic and physical qualities of the original Lutetian limestone used in the cathedral’s construction. BRGM aimed to produce a methodological reference guide that not only serves Notre-Dame but could also benefit other historical monuments in the Paris region.
Their work began in the summer of 2020, involving geological investigations in active and unexploited quarries within the Paris Basin, where the original stones were sourced. Experts from BRGM, along with the Ministry of Culture’s Historic Monuments Research Laboratory, conducted laboratory tests on stone samples to determine their suitability. The Lutetian limestone, formed 41 to 48 million years ago, is still extracted today from about ten quarries north of Paris. This initiative highlights the intricate balance of scientific research and historical preservation needed to ensure Notre-Dame’s restored structure seamlessly integrates with its historic fabric.
Advertisement
Storage area for blocks of hard limestone intended for the Notre-Dame cathedral restoration site. Photo by BRGM – D. Dessandier
Reviving Medieval Techniques
In the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, medieval carpentry techniques were employed to accurately reconstruct the fire-damaged roof and spire. Carpenters used traditional hand tools, such as axes, to shape the oak beams, replicating the methods used by the original 13th-century builders. These techniques were selected to ensure the reconstruction remained consistent with the cathedral’s historical construction methods.
The reconstruction also involved sourcing and preparing materials using practices aligned with medieval approaches. Over 1,000 oak trees were selected from French forests to replicate the original timber framework. These trees were chosen and felled using traditional methods, ensuring compatibility with the structural and aesthetic requirements of Notre-Dame’s original design.
Photo courtesy the Office of the French President
In the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, traditional techniques were complemented by modern technology to enhance efficiency and precision. For instance, Concr3de, a Dutch company, utilized 3D printing to reconstruct damaged stone sculptures, employing limestone powder and a binder to produce replicas that match the original materials in quality.
Additionally, advanced digital modeling played a crucial role in the restoration process. Autodesk provided detailed 3D models of the cathedral, enabling the restoration team to assess damage accurately and plan repairs with high precision. This integration of modern technology with traditional restoration methods facilitated the timely and accurate reconstruction of Notre-Dame.
Unearthing the Past
The restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire presented an unprecedented opportunity for archaeologists to delve into its historical layers. The French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) conducted extensive excavations both inside and around the cathedral, yielding remarkable discoveries. Among these were two lead sarcophagi unearthed beneath the transept crossing. One, dating back to the 14th century, was an anthropomorphic coffin containing a well-preserved skeleton, along with plant material and fabric remnants. Its craftsmanship and burial location suggest the individual was likely of high social status, as lead sarcophagi were typically reserved for the elite during the medieval period. The coffin is undergoing further study at the University Hospital of Toulouse, where experts are employing radiocarbon dating and DNA analysis to uncover more about the individual’s identity and life.
Two other well-preserved lead sarcophagi wer also found. One sarcophagus, identified as that of Canon Antoine de La Porte, dates back to the early 18th century. The other, initially unidentified, is believed to contain the remains of Renaissance poet Joachim du Bellay, who died in 1560. This identification was based on forensic analysis revealing signs of bone tuberculosis and chronic meningitis, conditions consistent with du Bellay’s known health issues.
Additionally, Inrap archaeologists uncovered over 1,000 fragments of the cathedral’s 13th-century rood screen, which had been dismantled in the early 18th century. These fragments, some still bearing traces of their original polychromy, provide valuable insights into the artistry and architecture of medieval Notre-Dame. Stored securely, the fragments are being meticulously studied and 3D scanned to understand their original configuration. This combination of scientific investigation and archaeological discovery has not only deepened our understanding of Notre-Dame’s medieval past but also underscored its significance as a repository of cultural and historical heritage.
Reviving Notre-Dame’s Sculptures at the Musée de Cluny
The Musée de Cluny has been instrumental in the conservation and study of medieval sculptures from Notre-Dame Cathedral. Since its establishment, the museum has housed significant fragments, including the renowned heads of the Kings of Judah, discovered in 1977. These pieces had not undergone thorough examination or restoration since the early 1980s. In response, the Musée de Cluny initiated a comprehensive program in 2022, in partnership with the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (C2RMF) and the Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques (LRMH), to study and restore selected sculptures.
This initiative culminated in the exhibition “Faire parler les pierres. Sculptures médiévales de Notre-Dame,” running from November 19, 2024, to March 16, 2025. The exhibition showcases nearly 120 works, including fragments from the cathedral’s original 13th-century decoration and newly discovered pieces from the rood screen, unearthed during 2022 excavations. This collaboration has provided fresh insights into the medieval art and architecture of Notre-Dame, highlighting the museum’s pivotal role in preserving and interpreting these historical artifacts.
The reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s roof and spire involved meticulous attention to historical authenticity and modern safety enhancements. Over 1,000 oak trees, each aged between 150 to 200 years, were carefully selected from French forests to replicate the original timber framework. The spire was rebuilt to match the 19th-century design by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, preserving its iconic Gothic appearance.
In December 2023, the new gilded rooster was installed atop the spire, symbolizing the completion of this significant phase of restoration. This careful balance of historical preservation and modern techniques ensures that Notre-Dame Cathedral remains a lasting symbol of France’s cultural heritage.
The Reopening
On December 7, 2024, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened its doors after a five-year restoration. The reopening ceremony was led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris and attended by numerous dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
The following day, December 8, the cathedral hosted its first Mass since the fire, featuring the consecration of the new main altar. The service gathered nearly 170 bishops from around the world, Parisian priests, heads of state, and faithful attendees, celebrating the restoration of this iconic Gothic masterpiece.
Photo courtesy the Office of the French President
New Research
The 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral not only sparked a monumental restoration effort but also inspired a wave of academic research. Scholars from diverse fields have uncovered new insights into the cathedral’s medieval construction techniques, its historical significance, and the environmental and cultural impacts of its preservation.
By Maxime L’Héritier, Aurélia Azéma, Delphine Syvilay, et al.
PLOS ONE
This study examines the iron reinforcements used in Notre-Dame de Paris’s construction, revealing innovative 12th-century techniques that integrated metal into Gothic architecture. Radiocarbon dating of 12 iron staples from various parts of the cathedral indicates their use during the initial construction phases, highlighting the early adoption of iron in monumental structures.
This article analyses the emotional responses to the 2019 Notre-Dame fire, exploring them as “valuations” through axiological sociology. It highlights how these responses can serve as data to understand the implementation of value judgments and the role of values as autonomous social facts in society.
Future Anterior: Journal of Historic Preservation History, Theory, and Criticism
This article examines the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral and its implications for heritage conservation. Bandarin discusses the challenges of protecting monuments from risks, approaches to architectural reconstruction, and the interplay between politics and heritage in such a symbolic site. The analysis underscores the global significance of Notre-Dame’s restoration choices on future conservation projects.
By Clément Cogné, Béatrice Foucher, Adrien Guibert, and Stéphane Joannes
Scientific Reports
This study examines the reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris following the 2019 fire, focusing on the integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The authors analyze the decision-making processes and the challenges of balancing historical authenticity with contemporary safety standards. The research provides insights into the complexities of heritage restoration in the context of modern urban environments.
This study investigates the environmental impact of lead contamination resulting from the 2019 Notre-Dame Cathedral fire. The authors analyze lead deposition patterns in the surrounding areas and assess potential health risks to the local population. Their findings highlight the importance of monitoring and mitigating environmental hazards following heritage site disasters.
By Valérie Daux, Christine Hatté, Diane du Boisgueheneuc, Lucile Beck, Pascale Richardin
Journal of Cultural Heritage
This study examines the wooden framework, known as the “forest,” of Notre-Dame de Paris, which was partially destroyed by fire in 2019. The authors analyze the isotopic composition of the surviving timbers to reconstruct medieval climatic conditions and enhance the radiocarbon calibration curve. Their research offers insights into the environmental context during the cathedral’s construction and contributes to broader climate studies.
This article explores a digital ecosystem created to support Notre-Dame’s restoration and research after the 2019 fire, addressing data integration across disciplines and linking digital tools with heritage studies.
By Alexander van Geen, Yuling Yao, Tyler Ellis, Andrew Gelman
GeoHealth
This study quantifies lead deposition in Paris following the 2019 Notre-Dame fire, analyzing soil and dust samples to assess environmental contamination and potential health risks. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and mitigating lead exposure after such incidents.
Top Image: Photo courtesy Future for Religious Heritage (FRH)
The fire that ravaged Notre-Dame Cathedral in 2019 was a devastating moment for history, art, and architecture. Yet, it also ignited one of the most ambitious restoration projects in modern memory. For medievalists and historians, the rebuilding of Notre-Dame offers a unique lens to explore the intersection of medieval craftsmanship, modern science, and cutting-edge research.
The Night the Flames Rose
On the evening of April 15, 2019, a fire broke out in the attic of Notre-Dame Cathedral, an area nicknamed “the forest” due to its dense oak timber framework dating back to the 13th century. The blaze began around 6:50 PM and quickly spread through the wooden beams, fanned by strong winds and the highly combustible materials. By the time firefighters arrived, the flames had engulfed the roof, threatening the cathedral’s iconic spire and treasured interiors.
The fire is believed to have been caused by an electrical short circuit or a stray cigarette from ongoing restoration work, though investigators could not pinpoint the exact source. Despite the swift response of emergency teams, the spire collapsed less than two hours after the fire started, followed by much of the roof.
Securing Notre-Dame: Protecting the Fragile Remains
In the immediate aftermath, experts conducted thorough assessments to determine the structural integrity of the remaining edifice. Protective measures, such as installing temporary supports and weatherproof coverings, were swiftly implemented to shield the cathedral’s interior from further deterioration. To prevent additional collapse, engineers erected extensive scaffolding to stabilize the cathedral’s structure. This included reinforcing the flying buttresses and other critical elements. The removal of over 200 tons of melted scaffolding from previous restoration efforts was a delicate operation, essential for ensuring the safety of both the structure and the workers involved.
Global Support for Notre-Dame
Fundraising efforts for the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral began within hours of the fire, drawing unprecedented support from individuals, corporations, and governments worldwide. Among the major contributors were Bernard Arnault, CEO of LVMH, who committed €200 million, a sum matched by the Bettencourt Meyers family, owners of L’Oréal. François-Henri Pinault, CEO of Kering, also pledged €100 million to the reconstruction.
In addition to these substantial pledges, around 340,000 donors from over 150 countries contributed to the restoration fund, collectively raising more than €840 million. By 2024, the restoration efforts even accumulated a surplus of €140 million, earmarked for future restoration phases and ongoing maintenance to ensure the cathedral’s preservation for generations to come.
Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris
In late 2019, a specialised organisation known as Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris was established. Under the supervision of the French Ministry of Culture, its mission is to oversee, coordinate, and carry out the studies and operations contributing to the conservation and restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral. This organisation has played a pivotal role in ensuring the restoration adheres to both historical accuracy and modern safety standards.
Preserving the Treasures of Notre-Dame
During the fire, a concerted effort was made to safeguard the cathedral’s invaluable treasures. Firefighters formed a human chain to rescue precious artifacts, including the revered Crown of Thorns and the tunic of Saint Louis. These items were initially stored overnight at Paris City Hall before being transferred to the Louvre Museum for conservation and safekeeping.
As part of the preservation efforts, the Louvre held a special exhibition titled The Treasury of Notre-Dame Cathedral: From Its Origins to Viollet-le-Duc. This exhibition featured over 120 works, including illuminated medieval manuscripts, relics, and paintings, offering the public an opportunity to explore the treasury’s rich history while restoration of the cathedral continued.
Repairs Within the Church After the Fire
The interior of Notre-Dame Cathedral faced extensive damage from the 2019 fire, including charred wooden beams, crumbled stonework, and soot-covered surfaces. Restoration teams worked meticulously to repair and restore the sacred space, ensuring that its historic and spiritual integrity remained intact.
One of the most significant challenges was cleaning the soot and ash that had coated the cathedral’s stone walls, floors, and vaulted ceilings. Specialists employed laser cleaning and chemical treatments to gently remove the grime without damaging the original materials. The fire also weakened parts of the vaulted ceiling, which required careful reinforcement. Damaged sections were repaired using lime mortar, a material compatible with the original medieval construction techniques.
Stained glass windows, some of which dated back to the 13th century, were carefully inspected and restored. Although the iconic rose windows miraculously survived, many smaller panes sustained heat damage. Expert artisans painstakingly replaced these fragments while preserving the intricate designs.
The wooden pews, altar, and other liturgical furnishings, heavily damaged by the fire and water, were either restored or replaced using historical references. Meanwhile, efforts to preserve and restore the great organ involved cleaning soot from over 8,000 pipes and repairing heat-damaged components.
The Stone Restoration
One of the organisations that Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris worked with was BRGM, the French geological survey. They were tasked with identifying and selecting stones that would match the aesthetic and physical qualities of the original Lutetian limestone used in the cathedral’s construction. BRGM aimed to produce a methodological reference guide that not only serves Notre-Dame but could also benefit other historical monuments in the Paris region.
Their work began in the summer of 2020, involving geological investigations in active and unexploited quarries within the Paris Basin, where the original stones were sourced. Experts from BRGM, along with the Ministry of Culture’s Historic Monuments Research Laboratory, conducted laboratory tests on stone samples to determine their suitability. The Lutetian limestone, formed 41 to 48 million years ago, is still extracted today from about ten quarries north of Paris. This initiative highlights the intricate balance of scientific research and historical preservation needed to ensure Notre-Dame’s restored structure seamlessly integrates with its historic fabric.
Reviving Medieval Techniques
In the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, medieval carpentry techniques were employed to accurately reconstruct the fire-damaged roof and spire. Carpenters used traditional hand tools, such as axes, to shape the oak beams, replicating the methods used by the original 13th-century builders. These techniques were selected to ensure the reconstruction remained consistent with the cathedral’s historical construction methods.
The reconstruction also involved sourcing and preparing materials using practices aligned with medieval approaches. Over 1,000 oak trees were selected from French forests to replicate the original timber framework. These trees were chosen and felled using traditional methods, ensuring compatibility with the structural and aesthetic requirements of Notre-Dame’s original design.
In the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, traditional techniques were complemented by modern technology to enhance efficiency and precision. For instance, Concr3de, a Dutch company, utilized 3D printing to reconstruct damaged stone sculptures, employing limestone powder and a binder to produce replicas that match the original materials in quality.
Additionally, advanced digital modeling played a crucial role in the restoration process. Autodesk provided detailed 3D models of the cathedral, enabling the restoration team to assess damage accurately and plan repairs with high precision. This integration of modern technology with traditional restoration methods facilitated the timely and accurate reconstruction of Notre-Dame.
Unearthing the Past
The restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire presented an unprecedented opportunity for archaeologists to delve into its historical layers. The French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research (Inrap) conducted extensive excavations both inside and around the cathedral, yielding remarkable discoveries. Among these were two lead sarcophagi unearthed beneath the transept crossing. One, dating back to the 14th century, was an anthropomorphic coffin containing a well-preserved skeleton, along with plant material and fabric remnants. Its craftsmanship and burial location suggest the individual was likely of high social status, as lead sarcophagi were typically reserved for the elite during the medieval period. The coffin is undergoing further study at the University Hospital of Toulouse, where experts are employing radiocarbon dating and DNA analysis to uncover more about the individual’s identity and life.
Two other well-preserved lead sarcophagi wer also found. One sarcophagus, identified as that of Canon Antoine de La Porte, dates back to the early 18th century. The other, initially unidentified, is believed to contain the remains of Renaissance poet Joachim du Bellay, who died in 1560. This identification was based on forensic analysis revealing signs of bone tuberculosis and chronic meningitis, conditions consistent with du Bellay’s known health issues.
Additionally, Inrap archaeologists uncovered over 1,000 fragments of the cathedral’s 13th-century rood screen, which had been dismantled in the early 18th century. These fragments, some still bearing traces of their original polychromy, provide valuable insights into the artistry and architecture of medieval Notre-Dame. Stored securely, the fragments are being meticulously studied and 3D scanned to understand their original configuration. This combination of scientific investigation and archaeological discovery has not only deepened our understanding of Notre-Dame’s medieval past but also underscored its significance as a repository of cultural and historical heritage.
Reviving Notre-Dame’s Sculptures at the Musée de Cluny
The Musée de Cluny has been instrumental in the conservation and study of medieval sculptures from Notre-Dame Cathedral. Since its establishment, the museum has housed significant fragments, including the renowned heads of the Kings of Judah, discovered in 1977. These pieces had not undergone thorough examination or restoration since the early 1980s. In response, the Musée de Cluny initiated a comprehensive program in 2022, in partnership with the Centre de Recherche et de Restauration des Musées de France (C2RMF) and the Laboratoire de Recherche des Monuments Historiques (LRMH), to study and restore selected sculptures.
This initiative culminated in the exhibition “Faire parler les pierres. Sculptures médiévales de Notre-Dame,” running from November 19, 2024, to March 16, 2025. The exhibition showcases nearly 120 works, including fragments from the cathedral’s original 13th-century decoration and newly discovered pieces from the rood screen, unearthed during 2022 excavations. This collaboration has provided fresh insights into the medieval art and architecture of Notre-Dame, highlighting the museum’s pivotal role in preserving and interpreting these historical artifacts.
\Paris, Cluny Museum – National Museum of the Middle Ages © Alexis Paoli, OPPIC
Rebuilding the Roof and Spire
The reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral’s roof and spire involved meticulous attention to historical authenticity and modern safety enhancements. Over 1,000 oak trees, each aged between 150 to 200 years, were carefully selected from French forests to replicate the original timber framework. The spire was rebuilt to match the 19th-century design by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, preserving its iconic Gothic appearance.
In December 2023, the new gilded rooster was installed atop the spire, symbolizing the completion of this significant phase of restoration. This careful balance of historical preservation and modern techniques ensures that Notre-Dame Cathedral remains a lasting symbol of France’s cultural heritage.
The Reopening
On December 7, 2024, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris reopened its doors after a five-year restoration. The reopening ceremony was led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris and attended by numerous dignitaries, including French President Emmanuel Macron.
The following day, December 8, the cathedral hosted its first Mass since the fire, featuring the consecration of the new main altar. The service gathered nearly 170 bishops from around the world, Parisian priests, heads of state, and faithful attendees, celebrating the restoration of this iconic Gothic masterpiece.
New Research
The 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral not only sparked a monumental restoration effort but also inspired a wave of academic research. Scholars from diverse fields have uncovered new insights into the cathedral’s medieval construction techniques, its historical significance, and the environmental and cultural impacts of its preservation.
Notre-Dame de Paris: The First Iron Lady? Archaeometallurgical Study and Dating of the Parisian Cathedral Iron Reinforcements
By Maxime L’Héritier, Aurélia Azéma, Delphine Syvilay, et al.
PLOS ONE
This study examines the iron reinforcements used in Notre-Dame de Paris’s construction, revealing innovative 12th-century techniques that integrated metal into Gothic architecture. Radiocarbon dating of 12 iron staples from various parts of the cathedral indicates their use during the initial construction phases, highlighting the early adoption of iron in monumental structures.
Emotions and Valuations: Notre-Dame de Paris on Fire as a Case Study for Axiological Sociology
By Nathalie Heinich
Valuation Studies
This article analyses the emotional responses to the 2019 Notre-Dame fire, exploring them as “valuations” through axiological sociology. It highlights how these responses can serve as data to understand the implementation of value judgments and the role of values as autonomous social facts in society.
The Restoration and Reconstruction of Notre-Dame of Paris: A Test for the Profession
By Francesco Bandarin
Future Anterior: Journal of Historic Preservation History, Theory, and Criticism
This article examines the 2019 fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral and its implications for heritage conservation. Bandarin discusses the challenges of protecting monuments from risks, approaches to architectural reconstruction, and the interplay between politics and heritage in such a symbolic site. The analysis underscores the global significance of Notre-Dame’s restoration choices on future conservation projects.
Faceting the Post-Disaster Built Heritage Reconstruction: The Case of Notre-Dame de Paris
By Clément Cogné, Béatrice Foucher, Adrien Guibert, and Stéphane Joannes
Scientific Reports
This study examines the reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris following the 2019 fire, focusing on the integration of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology. The authors analyze the decision-making processes and the challenges of balancing historical authenticity with contemporary safety standards. The research provides insights into the complexities of heritage restoration in the context of modern urban environments.
Lead Pollution and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire: A Case Study
By M. Héroux, A. Grem, L. Boudet, et al.
Journal of Cultural Heritage
This study investigates the environmental impact of lead contamination resulting from the 2019 Notre-Dame Cathedral fire. The authors analyze lead deposition patterns in the surrounding areas and assess potential health risks to the local population. Their findings highlight the importance of monitoring and mitigating environmental hazards following heritage site disasters.
The “Forest” of Notre-Dame de Paris: A Possible Path into Medieval Climate and Time
By Valérie Daux, Christine Hatté, Diane du Boisgueheneuc, Lucile Beck, Pascale Richardin
Journal of Cultural Heritage
This study examines the wooden framework, known as the “forest,” of Notre-Dame de Paris, which was partially destroyed by fire in 2019. The authors analyze the isotopic composition of the surviving timbers to reconstruct medieval climatic conditions and enhance the radiocarbon calibration curve. Their research offers insights into the environmental context during the cathedral’s construction and contributes to broader climate studies.
A Digital Ecosystem for the Multidisciplinary Study of Notre-Dame de Paris
By Livio De Luca
Journal of Cultural Heritage
This article explores a digital ecosystem created to support Notre-Dame’s restoration and research after the 2019 fire, addressing data integration across disciplines and linking digital tools with heritage studies.
Fallout of Lead Over Paris From the 2019 Notre-Dame Cathedral Fire
By Alexander van Geen, Yuling Yao, Tyler Ellis, Andrew Gelman
GeoHealth
This study quantifies lead deposition in Paris following the 2019 Notre-Dame fire, analyzing soil and dust samples to assess environmental contamination and potential health risks. The findings highlight the importance of monitoring and mitigating lead exposure after such incidents.
Top Image: Photo courtesy Future for Religious Heritage (FRH)
Related Posts
Subscribe to Medievalverse