It has been exactly one year since the horrible fire that almost destroyed the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris. I remember sitting in my office watching the coverage in shock and trying to figure out how this could simply be a bad joke – until it became all too clear that it wasn’t. By the end of the day, I was simply grateful that this beloved building – my favorite of all time – survives in any condition at all.
In the months following the fire, I have felt frustrated by sensational (and to my mind, often questionable) press coverage of the restoration efforts. Many reports have taken the most negative possible perspective, latching onto a few soundbites and getting people all worked up with headlines suggesting the cathedral is doomed. While the facts may not be inaccurate, the tone of these articles often feels quite slanted.
I decided I could do better, so I carefully researched and wrote this update on Notre-Dame de Paris’s condition for DailyArt Magazine. I’ve aimed to provide a reasonable and unbiased account, acknowledging equally the conservation accomplishments and the threats still to be dealt with. Consider this my contribution to a balanced assessment of the topic and also my celebration that Notre-Dame still stands on the first anniversary of its near destruction.
“Notre-Dame de Paris – One Year Later“. Published on DailyArt Magazine, April 15, 2020.
A Scholarly Skater 
Once again, Alexandra, an excellent and well informed article. Thank you.
Thank you Sue! ❤