President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a €4 million project to replace six 19th-century stained-glass windows in Notre Dame Cathedral's south aisle with contemporary designs12. French painter Claire Tabouret has been selected to create the new windows, which will be manufactured by Simon-Marq, a renowned French stained-glass maker34. The windows in question are the geometric-patterned grisaille designs by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, which remarkably survived the devastating 2019 fire56.

• The new designs aim to feature yellow, pink, and green hues

• The project intends to commemorate the 2019 fire and symbolize resilience

• Installation of the new windows is scheduled for 202637

The proposal to replace Notre Dame's historic windows has faced significant resistance from multiple fronts. France's National Heritage and Architecture Commission unanimously voted against Macron's plan in July 2023, sending shockwaves through artistic and architectural communities1. This decision prompted Pascal Convert, one of the artists considered for the project, to halt his work1. Public opposition has also been substantial, with over 240,000 people signing a petition launched by art historian Didier Rykner to protect Viollet-le-Duc's original windows2.

• Critics argue the modern elements would diminish the cathedral's aesthetic harmony

• Conservation group Sites et Monuments plans to file a lawsuit to block the installation

• Opponents cite the 1964 Venice Charter, which provides guidelines for preserving historic buildings

• Some view Macron's plan as an opportunistic attempt to insert his vision into France's heritage1

Proponents of the window replacement argue that it adds a "touch of the 21st century" to the historic structure, with Archbishop Laurent Ulrich backing the modernization effort12. They view it as an opportunity to commemorate the 2019 fire and symbolize resilience for future generations. However, critics, including Claire Smith, a professor of archaeology at Flinders University Australia, assert that Macron is acting opportunistically by inserting his vision for contemporary art within France's revered heritage1. The controversy highlights the tension between preservation and modernization in historic architectural restoration, with conservationists arguing that the original windows are only meaningful in their original location, not in a museum setting34.

Despite the widespread opposition and the heritage commission's rejection, the French government is proceeding with the plan to replace Notre Dame's historic windows. The controversial project is set to move forward, with the new stained-glass windows scheduled for installation at the end of 20261. This decision has intensified the debate surrounding the balance between preserving historical integrity and introducing contemporary elements in iconic structures. The Ministry of Culture has established an 'artistic commission' to oversee the selection process for the new designs2, indicating a commitment to the modernization effort despite the backlash. As the cathedral's reopening approaches, the outcome of this contentious issue remains uncertain, with potential legal challenges and continued public discourse likely to shape the final decision on Notre Dame's windows.