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Art historians explain process to restore Notre Dame Cathedral

Art historians say the reconstruction of the cathedral will happen sooner than you might think.

HOUSTON — Paris, Houston is standing with you. An oil painting of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France is on display the Museum of Fine Arts Houston.

The museum, like so many of you, shared a message of solidarity on social media.

Art historians say the reconstruction of the religious space will happen sooner than you might think. Because of technology and access to architectural archives and photos, MFAH Director Gary Tinterow said we could see a major difference at Notre Dame in a decade.

A sculpture of a Madonna and child is on display at the Houston museum. Tinterow said it’s “absolutely characteristic of the kind of sculptures that were put into Notre Dame after it was completed at the end of the 13th century.”

While Notre Dame’s spire collapsed and much of its roof is gone, the cathedral still stands.

“Everything within the Abbey, although there may be smoke damage and some water damage, perhaps, should be OK. The entire Abbey will have to be cleaned,” Tinterow said.

Priceless pieces of artwork and religious artifacts pulled from the cathedral are now being stored at the Louvre in Paris.

And when it comes to restorations, Tinterow explains Europe is an expert.

“This is something, unfortunately, that we’ve experienced in European history, is the constant rebuilding of these great houses of worship because of fires or wars over the years. It’s always devastating but inevitably it sparks something new and sometimes even better.”

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