The preservation and reinstallation of the artworks from Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

CASE STUDY: The Key Role of Groupe Bovis in the Preservation and Reinstallation of the Artworks from Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris

Project Context

After the devastating fire of 2019, the preservation of the unique artworks from Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris became a national priority. Groupe Bovis, through its specialized subsidiary Bovis Fine Art, was selected to ensure the preservation, conservation, and reinstallation of the artworks. This large-scale project required the full expertise of the group within a tight timeline and under exceptional technical and logistical constraints.

All these services were carried out under the project management of our client, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (DRAC) of Île-de-France.

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PHASE 1: Rescue of the Artworks After the Fire

Challenge:
The cathedral's artworks, including numerous large-scale paintings, needed to be urgently evacuated to avoid risks associated with post-fire damage (humidity, dust, vibrations). However, their size and location made handling particularly delicate.

Tailored Solution:
A dedicated team was mobilized immediately after the fire to intervene on-site.
Scaffolding was installed in the chapels to safely remove the monumental paintings.
Our subsidiary, Tti, provided the Titan, one of the largest specialized vehicles in Europe, capable of transporting exceptionally large artworks.

👉 Result:
All the artworks were evacuated quickly and in perfect condition, ready to be stored in optimal conditions.

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PHASE 2: Conservation and Restoration of the Artworks

Challenge:
The artworks required a temporary storage space tailored to their specific needs (climate control, security, access for restorers) and large enough to accommodate both large-scale paintings and restoration equipment.

Tailored Solution:

• In less than two months, Groupe Bovis set up a 2,000 m² space in a secure warehouse in Île-de-France.
• A climate-controlled storage area was specially designed, equipped with custom-made painting racks, requiring 10 tons of steel for their construction.
• Two restoration workshops were created: one dedicated to frames and supports, and the other to the pictorial layers of the paintings.

👉 Result:
The artworks were stored and restored under optimal conditions, meeting the highest museum standards.

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PHASE 3: Reinstallation of the Artworks at the Cathedral

Challenge:
The reinstallation of the artworks required precise logistics to ensure the safety of both the pieces and the personnel involved. Some sculptures, such as the Virgin of the Pillar, and the renowned Mays demanded specific handling techniques due to their weight and placement.

Tailored Solution:
Specialized scaffolding was installed to ensure maximum safety during the operation.
The paintings were secured using custom-designed metal brackets created specifically for this task.
Our teams managed the transport and installation of the sculptures, ensuring their integrity was meticulously preserved.

👉 Result:
The artworks were returned to their rightful places at the heart of the Cathedral, ready to be admired by the public upon its reopening.

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This large-scale project highlighted Groupe Bovis's expertise and commitment to preserving cultural heritage. Through tailored solutions and the exceptional dedication of our teams, we contributed to the safeguarding and enhancement of this iconic site.

Do you have a project requiring unique expertise in handling artworks?

📩 Contact us to learn how Groupe Bovis can assist you.