Boasting unique features, the Notre Dame set stands out as one of the most ambitious and exclusive additions to the LEGO Architecture series, is sure to captivate LEGO enthusiasts and collectors alike.

The LEGO Architecture series has a long history of keeping things small. Only three sets so far have more than 2000 pieces, and none have more than 3000 pieces. The Notre Dame de Paris set contains about 4383 pieces.

One of the more interesting things about the LEGO Notre Dame Cathedral is that it breaks the company's rule of avoiding any kind of religious affiliation. You could argue that the cathedral is far more of an iconic landmark than just a church, but it still poses an interesting question of what could also be on the table now that LEGO is letting a model like this through the cracks. Read more

In his workshop in Périgord Vert, Paul meticulously sands a birch armchair. This is the Pope's future wheelchair. It is a very beautiful birch armchair with a large backrest, neat finishes and symbols.

"I was entrusted with the beams of the frame of Notre Dame de Paris, a survivor of the fire of 2019", he explains.

They were charred. Paul filed them down, centimetre by centimetre, to reach the heart, which was still usable.

"These beams come from oak trees that grew around the year 1200. They are contemporary with Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the Pope." They are used for the armrests of the chair.

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These conditions are currently being carried out: cleaning and restoration of the interior of the building; restoration of masonry and collapsed vaults; and restoration of the missing spire and frameworks, which, according to the newest statement from the "Rebuild Notre Dame" committee, "is in progress, both on the Ile de la Cité and in the workshop."

Ile de la Cité is a famous island on the Seine River, one of two natural islands in Paris and the heart of the French capital. It's there where Notre Dame is located and where hundreds of shocked Parisians watched as flames consumed the cathedral's medieval roof April 15, 2019.

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The Archdiocese of Paris will soon present its design to France's National Commission on Heritage and Architecture (CNPA) to restore the interior of the building damaged in the fire on the evening of April 15, 2019.

The Daily Telegraph English newspaper reported on Nov 26 that critics feared the changes would turn the building into a "politically correct Disneyland."

The article said that "confessional boxes, altars, and classical sculptures will be replaced with modern art murals, and new sound and light effects to create ‘emotional spaces.'"

"There will be themed chapels on a ‘discovery trail,' with an emphasis on Africa and Asia. Quotes from the Bible will be projected onto chapel walls in various languages, including Mandarin," it added.

Maurice Culot, an architect who has seen the plans, told the newspaper: "It's as if Disney were entering Notre-Dame."

The man in charge of the project is Gilles Drouin, a priest of the Diocese of Évry, he is also director of the Higher Institute of Liturgy at the Catholic University of Paris.

Fr Drouin was asked to improve the way tourists are accommodated and provide a more effective means of showcasing the cathedral's works of art. Both are issues that predate the blaze.

Drouin developed options in tandem, careful to consider both the pastoral and patrimonial aspects.

The project took shape with the help of architects, lighting and sound specialists, stage designers and artists. Then the various options were submitted to heritage professionals.

"Each step was validated by Archbishop Michel Aupetit of Paris," Father Drouin explains.

Catholics of Paris have raised concerns and demanded the archdiocese do a better job informing the public about the stages of the restoration project.

They called for more open discussion and urged planners to act with the "greatest humility" dealing with a work meant for the ages.

Drouin has readily acknowledged the criticism. But he says that earlier proposals that are now completely obsolete are still in circulation, which may fuel fears.

The cathedral will reportedly reopen for worship with a Te Deum on April 16, 2024, five years after the blaze.

Sources

La Croix International

Catholic News Agency

The government agency overseeing the reconstruction announced in a statement Saturday that the works to secure the structure — which began the day after the April 15, 2019 fire — are at last complete.

Carpenters, scaffolding experts, professional climbers, organ mechanics and others took part in the effort, which included special temporary structures to secure the iconic towers, vaults and walls of the huge roofless structure, and a special "umbrella" to protect it from the weather.

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The cathedral was badly damaged in a fire on 15 April.

The bill will allow the government to pass emergency orders regarding Notre Dame so that the country's strict and lengthy processes surrounding the renovation of historic monuments can be bypassed.

Besides cutting red tape, the bill offers a legal framework to provide financial transparency for the project so it is clear where the huge amounts of money donated for the restoration will be spent.

If the bill becomes law, French President Emmanuel Macron's goal of rebuilding the cathedral in just five years could become a reality.

He believes the work can be completed in this time, although many restoration experts dispute that.

Some architects and heritage experts have expressed concerns about the quality of the work to be done on the cathedral.

The work includes replacing the 19th-century spire, which collapsed during the fire and which will have to be redesigned. The French Government said it would accept proposals from architects around the world.

The 90-metre spire was one of Paris's most recognisable landmarks.

France is split on whether the cathedral's new ceiling and spire should be rebuilt as an exact replica, or with a bold new design for the modern age.

There is also widespread debate across France, with differing views over whether the restoration work should involve new technologies and designs.

Government spokeswoman Sibeth Ndiaye said the government will focus on "respecting heritage".

Source

• Crux Now
• ABC
• Image: Travel and Leisure
• ABC