Full-scale designs and preparatory works are now on view at the Grand Palais.
Contemporary Vision for a Historic Landmark
French artist Claire Tabouret has unveiled her designs for six new stained-glass windows at Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris. These full-scale ink-on-paper maquettes, on display at the Grand Palais as part of her solo exhibition In a Single Breath, replace the 19th-century monochrome windows commissioned by Viollet-le-Duc and Lassus. Alongside the models, visitors can explore preparatory sketches and behind-the-scenes materials from the Simon-Marq atelier, where the windows are currently being produced.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
Tabouret’s designs depict expressive scenes of disciples and verdant landscapes, weaving contemporary artistic language into the cathedral’s historic framework. While the original windows survived the 2019 fire, this update has sparked discussion among historians and preservationists regarding heritage guidelines. Tabouret emphasizes a cautious, harmonious approach, framing the project as a celebration of community and the Pentecost story, rather than a religious statement.
Exhibition Details
In a Single Breath runs at the Grand Palais in Paris through March 15, 2026, offering a rare glimpse into the creation of these landmark designs and the dialogue between modern artistry and centuries-old architecture.
