Notre-Dame de Paris: Where Will the New Contemporary Stained Glass Windows Be Installed in the Cathedral?

From December 10, 2025, to March 15, 2026, at the Grand Palais, artist Claire Tabouret will showcase life-sized models and unique preparatory works: these are the models for the windows that will soon be installed in the Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. These contemporary pieces are set to replace six Viollet-le-Duc stained-glass windows by the end of 2026.

Eva Jospin and Claire Tabouret at the Grand Palais: final days of the exhibition
Two leading figures in contemporary art are being celebrated in Paris. Since December 10th, the Grand Palais has been hosting a groundbreaking double exhibition that brings together the stunning works of two renowned French artists, Claire Tabouret and Eva Jospin. While the first exhibition showcases "D’un seul souffle," the second presents "Grottesco." Extended until March 29, 2026, don’t miss the final days to experience these captivating displays. [Read more]

In 2023, while the restoration work on Notre-Dame de Paris was still ongoing, President Emmanuel Macron announced his intention to introduce a touch of modernity, aiming to leave a "mark of the century" on this centuries-old monument. The decision was supported by the Archbishop of Paris, Monseigneur Laurent Ulrich: "I hope that soon we will be able to see some new stained glass windows in one of the chapels," he wrote in a letter cited by RTL.

Following the major fire of 2019, authorities aimed to restore the historic monument to its original state. However, they also wanted to add a fresh touch—something that would introduce a new chapter to the cathedral’s long history. A design competition was launched to create these new stained glass windows, and the winning proposal came from artist Claire Tabouret.

The French artist has conceived six new stained glass windows, all centered around the chosen theme of Pentecost. These modern works are set to replace stained glass from the 19th century. The existing windows were installed during the building’s restoration under the direction of Eugène Viollet-le-Duc.

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But which stained glass windows are set to be removed exactly? According to a ruling by the Paris Administrative Court, the new stained glass pieces will be installed “in the windows of six chapels on the south side of the nave.” Currently, these chapels feature what are known as “grisaille” stained glass windows.

This decision has sparked quite a debate: many opponents of the project lament the loss of the stained glass windows selected by Viollet-le-Duc. However, when they were installed in the 19th century, these windows also faced controversy—artists like Marcel Proust and Auguste Rodin openly criticized Viollet-le-Duc's work.

These 19th-century stained glass windows are not expected to disappear entirely: they will be preserved and restored, and may eventually be displayed in a future museum dedicated to the Parisian cathedral. As for Claire Tabouret’s works, they are set to find their place within the cathedral itself by the end of 2026.

All you need to know about Notre-Dame de Paris: opening hours, tours, reservations, events
With its thirteen million visitors a year, Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is one of the capital's must-sees. A place of worship as well as a monument, it has witnessed the history of Paris since its construction. Since December 8, 2024, the monument is once again accessible. With reservations, year-round concerts and suggested tours, discover all the information you need to prepare your visit to this emblem of Paris, ready to welcome the world. [Read more]