A call for applications for the creation of contemporary stained glass windows for Notre-Dame de Paris was launched on Wednesday, announced the public establishment responsible for the reconstruction of the cathedral, ravaged by a fire five years ago.
The President of the Republic Emmanuel Macron announced last December, while visiting the restoration site, that he was in favor of installing such stained glass windows in six chapels on the south aisle of the nave (Seine side). This call for applications, called “consultation”, is “available on the State Public Markets website”, specified the same source in a press release.
Candidates have until May 24 to submit their application. A second stage will allow those who are selected to present a project in the fall with a view to selecting a winner. The Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, set up an artistic committee in early March responsible for designating the winner. Made up of 20 members, heritage curators, artists, members of the diocese of Paris, the public establishment responsible for the reconstruction project and the Ministry of Culture, this committee will be responsible for designating “a winning pair” (an artist and a glass workshop) in November 2024, in order to present a prototype for the reopening of the cathedral, scheduled for December 8.
However, these contemporary stained glass windows should not be installed in the cathedral before 2026, according to the ministry. The National Commission for Heritage and Architecture (CNPA) must also decide in May on this project, supported by the Archbishop of Paris, Mgr Mgr Laurent Ulrich.