Notre-Dame – Phoenix of Paris - five online talks by Dr Alexandra Gajewski

If you wish to register for this series after 5-Jun-25, please e-mail webinars@martinrandall.co.uk

As a consequence of the shocking fire that broke out at Notre-Dame in Paris on the night of 15th April 2019, the cathedral’s medieval roof was entirely destroyed. Yet the terrifying blaze also sparked an important new phase in the cathedral’s history. Never excavated and hardly investigated before 2019, Notre-Dame moved overnight into the spotlight of scholars, archaeologists, historians and the greater public. The restoration, which culminated in the grand reopening on 7th December 2024, was preceded by a research project that consisted of an in-depth examination of various aspects relating to the building, ranging from its stone, metal and acoustics, to the emotions caused by the fire among the public.

Starting with the fire, these five talks will investigate the damage caused, the resulting research project and the restoration. Taking a part-thematic, part-chronological approach, we will focus on the discoveries and findings that have been made in the process. We will examine these in the context of the religious, social and political history of this exceptional building, going back to its early Christian origins, with a focus on its art and architecture, patrons and artisans.

The talks take place every Thursday from 5th June–3 July 2025 at 4.30pm (London) and, including Q&A, will last just under an hour. They are available for viewing for eight weeks after the last episode is streamed (28th August 2025).