French artist Claire Tabouret has been chosen to create new stained glass windows for six chapels in Notre-Dame Cathedral, marking a significant addition to the iconic Paris landmark. The project comes as part of Notre-Dame’s extensive restoration efforts following the devastating fire of 2019 and is set to replace 19th-century windows designed by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Tabouret’s designs depict figures in prayer from diverse cultures, celebrating the Pentecost with vibrant hues of turquoise, yellow, pink, and red.
The artist, known for her evocative portraits and based in Los Angeles, will collaborate with the renowned Simon-Marq workshop, a master glassmaker established in 1640 in Reims. Tabouret expressed both humility and excitement for the commission, viewing it as an opportunity to contribute to a project of profound cultural and spiritual significance.
While the project has been endorsed by President Emmanuel Macron and Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, it has sparked controversy among preservationists. Critics argue the replacement violates restoration principles outlined in the Venice Charter, as Viollet-le-Duc’s original windows were undamaged by the fire and only required cleaning.
Despite opposition, the new windows are slated for installation in 2026, with Tabouret’s designs hailed as a gesture of unity and hope. The original windows will be preserved and displayed in a museum. The project reflects the enduring interplay between tradition and contemporary art in one of the world’s most cherished historic sites.
Sketches for her stained glass window designs for Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris
Photography courtesy of CLAIRE TABOURET and NIGHT GALLERY, Los Angeles
