The Restoration and Reconstruction of Notre-Dame of Paris: A Test for the Profession

The devastating fire of April 15, 2019, that destroyed Notre-Dame de Paris's eight-hundred-year-old roof and nineteenth-century spire while miraculously preserving the rest of the cathedral underscored its profound global significance as a symbol of spiritual and historical value. This disaster, compounded by its UNESCO World Heritage status, presented an unprecedented challenge to preservation professionals, testing their expertise in restoration and reconstruction. The study examines the emotional and structural aftermath, highlighting the complexities of safeguarding such iconic landmarks while balancing historical integrity with modern conservation techniques.

Bandarin. (2020). The Restoration and Reconstruction of Notre-Dame of Paris: A Test for the Profession. Future Anterior: Journal of Historic Preservation, History, Theory, and Criticism, 17(1), 97. https://doi.org/10.5749/futuante.17.1.0097