NOTRE DAMM APPELATION - The controversy surrounding the replacement of six stained-glass windows in Notre-Dame de Paris has intensified, with French heritage organization Sites & Monuments filing an appeal in the Paris administrative court to halt the project. The initiative, endorsed by President Emmanuel Macron and Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich, aims to introduce contemporary designs by French artist Claire Tabouret into the historic cathedral.

Critics argue that removing the 19th-century windows designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc contradicts restoration principles and oversteps legal boundaries. The National Commission for Heritage and Architecture unanimously opposed the plan, suggesting that the state's mandate is limited to 'conserving and restoring' the historic structure, as outlined in the act of July 29, 2019. Despite this, the Ministry of Culture proceeded with selecting Tabouret for the project.

Public opposition has been significant, with over 280,000 individuals signing a petition initiated by journalist Didier Rykner, founder of the French art publication La Tribune de L'Art. The project, estimated to cost 4 million euros (approximately 4.1 million USD), is slated for completion by 2026, funded through state budgets and donations intended for repairing the cathedral's fire damage.

Claire Tabouret, known for her vibrant and expressive paintings, was selected from a prestigious shortlist to design the new stained-glass windows. She emphasizes that her designs aim to harmonize with the cathedral's spirit and historical aesthetics while incorporating contemporary elements. Her concept, inspired by the Pentecost, seeks to convey human experiences accessible across cultures.

The debate over integrating modern art into Notre-Dame is not unprecedented. In 1937, several of the cathedral's windows were replaced with modern designs by artists such as Pierre Bonnard and Raoul Dufy, which at the time sparked significant controversy.

As the legal battle unfolds, the project continues to evoke strong reactions from both heritage conservationists and advocates for contemporary art, reflecting the ongoing tension between preserving historical integrity and embracing modern artistic expression in cultural landmarks.