Everything You Need to Know About Cathedrals

Five years ago, a fire ravaged the famous Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Over 2,000 pairs of hands and 700 million euros in donations were needed to rebuild and restore this architectural gem. On November 6th, the cathedral will reopen its doors to the public. But how much do you really know about Notre-Dame and the most iconic architectural feats in Europe? Museum invites you to discover all the details of three must-see cathedrals in a special evening, "The Age of Cathedrals," on Friday, December 14th, starting from 8 PM.

The Tragedy of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral

The fire at Notre-Dame de Paris on April 15, 2019, shocked the world. Many donors from all over the globe mobilized and raised 850 million euros to save this piece of history. The flames devastated the cathedral's roof and threatened much of its historical heritage. The Paris firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fire. They succeeded in preserving the main structure and some of the most precious relics. The medieval stained-glass windows and sculptures did not survive. A true major symbol of French culture and history, Notre-Dame de Paris continues to inspire awe and admiration.

La Sagrada Familia, The Never-Ending Construction

One of the greatest mysteries of the last century has been the Sagrada Familia. The great Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí left this cathedral unfinished after his death. An international team of architects succeeded in deciphering the hidden code behind one of the stones of the cathedral and embarked on monumental work to complete this iconic landmark.
After Gaudí’s death, during the Spanish Civil War, the plans for the facade were lost. A famous Japanese sculptor eventually deciphered Gaudí’s original intentions and executed his vision. It took sculptor Etsuro Sotoo more than fifteen years to complete the Nativity facade.
Still under construction today, the structure, its history, and that of its architect continue to spark curiosity.

Strasbourg Cathedral, A Century of History and a new glass-winndow

The stained glass is an emblematic and inseparable element of a cathedral. To celebrate the thousand years of its foundations, the Strasbourg Cathedral presents a new stained-glass window to its visitors in the Sainte-Catherine chapel. After a year of work, this innovative contemporary piece is ready to be unveiled to the world. It was created by photographer Véronique Ellena and master glassmaker Pierre-Alain Parot. Never before has such a stained-glass window been designed!

Don’t miss the "Time of the Cathedrals" evening, Friday, December 14th, starting at 8 PM, and discover all the details of the program on our TV Guide!

Find programs dedicated to art, exhibitions, and cultural outings on Museum TV!