Will the replacement of Viollet-le-Duc’s stained glass windows at Notre-Dame cost 3 million euros, as Michel Guerrin revealed in an article in Le Monde published last Friday? Or is the total budget 4 million, as we have learned from a well-informed source at the Ministry of Culture? It doesn’t really matter. 3 or 4 million to vandalise a little more of Notre-Dame is an unbearable figure, especially at a time when accumulated budget deficits are going to force budget cuts that will also affect the Ministry of Culture.
Some people say that 4 million is a drop in the ocean in France’s budget. They are right, of course. It could also be compared, for example, to the 273 million (!) a year for the useless ‘Pass Culture’. But the drops of water add up, and end up making a river. And above all, €4 million represents a number of restorations that will not be carried out. Or it would have made it possible, for example, to complete the archaeological excavations of the rood screen in the cathedral choir.
On 19 September, we asked the ministry for the exact cost of replacing the stained glass windows, and from what budget it would be financed. We received no reply, proof that the matter is a major embarrassment and that the government does not want the figures to be given. Proof also that this estimate is certainly accurate.
As for the funding, if we are to believe usual practice, the creation of the new stained glass windows (a total surface area of 120.97 m2) should come out of the budget for artistic creation, but the removal, conservation treatment and storage of the old windows will come out of the budget for historic monuments. In any case, the Ministry of Culture will be funding this lamentable operation in its entirety.
There is still time to put a stop to this new aberration in terms of heritage and budget. To do this, we must continue to sign the petition, which has now reached 231,759 signatures and which has stagnated a little over the last few days, albeit at a very high level. There is no doubt that these signatures will increase once the winner of the competition is announced in the press.
We must also help the Sites & Monuments association to take this project to court. You can continue to make a financial (and tax-deductible) contribution to this fight by donating here.
Michel Barnier looking for savings? Here’s one he’s found at the Ministry of Culture.