French Desk, Delhi Magazine: French Cultural Minister Rachida Dati has expressed her support for the installation of contemporary stained glass windows in the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. In a recent social media post, she emphasized the importance of blending tradition and modernity to preserve and enrich cultural heritage.
She stated:“The admirable and collective effort that enabled the rebirth of Notre-Dame should not be marred by outdated quarrels between ‘ancients’ and ‘moderns.’ Heritage and creation must go hand in hand; this is what strengthens culture and sustains the vitality of our cultural model.”
Dati highlighted the historical precedent of integrating modern artistic elements into heritage sites, drawing parallels with the collaboration between Garnier and Chagall at the Paris Opera. She applauded the decision of Archbishop Mgr. Laurent Ulrich and President Emmanuel Macron to approve the installation of contemporary stained glass windows, associating them with the creative spirit of architects like Viollet-le-Duc, a modernist of his time.
She added:“Notre-Dame must remain a living heritage and a symbol of a millennia-old cultural legacy.”
This decision aligns with the ongoing restoration efforts to revive Notre-Dame after the devastating fire in 2019. The inclusion of contemporary stained glass is seen as a step towards embracing innovation while respecting the cathedral’s historic significance.
Dati’s message has sparked discussions on balancing preservation and modernization, reflecting France’s enduring commitment to cultural dynamism.