The Restoration Project, Illustrated by Le Journal de Montréal

As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of Montréal's Notre-Dame Basilica, the city's iconic neo-Gothic church has been undergoing a facelift since 2020.

EATEN AWAY BY HUMIDITY

The situation was urgent: in 2017, because of water infiltration into the stonework, the Basilica's management realized that the building's integrity was in danger. The wear and tear of time and two centuries of Montréal's climate have taken their toll on the architectural integrity of Montréal's mother church,

After installing safety nets to prevent falling rocks, work began on the exterior and interior in 2020. The work is expected to take at least fifteen years.

AN ESTIMATED BUDGET OF 50 MILLION 

It is rather difficult to estimate the exact cost of the project, as new problems are frequently discovered as work progresses. Invitations to tender are organized for each phase of the work. 

Mathieu Verreault, the Basilica's Director of Tourism and Operations, estimates a total bill of $50 million. This presents as a real challenge for the Basilica: subsidies are far from sufficient, and its sources of revenue are dwindling, as people marry less and come to church less to make donations.

THE FACADE AND ITS STONE EXTERIOR

The stones have been replaced (the new ones, not yet marked by the wear of time, are clearer).

The cross was leaning: it has now been straightened.

QUEBEC STONE

The stone used to build the Basilica came from a quarry in Montreal's Mile End district, which is now depleted. For the sake of authenticity, the Basilica will be restored using stones from the Saint-Marc-des-Carrières quarry, all Québécois and identical in color.

EAST TOWER

Named Temperance, the east tower houses a 10-bell carillon. The stone needs to be replaced; that's the job in hand.

WEST TOWER

Named Perseverance, the west tower houses a large bell weighing around 11,000 kg. The stone has been replaced.

THE TECHNICAL FOOTBRIDGE

During construction work, the technical footbridge provides access between the two towers. It is also normally used to receive the basilica's architectural lighting. It will have to be rebuilt.

 PINNACLES

Here too, water infiltration has damaged and darkened the stone. The pinnacles of both towers rise 67 m from the ground.

PAINTED DECORATIONS INSIDE

The paint on the vaults and walls is peeling, particularly on the first balcony on the east side.

The many painted canvases are wearing out and need to be carefully refurbished, using the same type of paint.

This single phase of work on the interior painted decor is expected to cost $10 million, alone.

STAINED-GLASS WINDOWS

These evoke religious and social life in Ville-Marie's day. Stained-glass windows are thinning (glass is a frozen liquid) and need to be strengthened.

BAPTISMAL FONT

This baptismal font, located behind the west tower, was originally restored. Pieces of paint from the vault were falling to the floor.

1672: FIRST CHURCH

Built on a site determined by Dollier de Casson, a member of the Sulpician community, in the axis of rue Notre-Dame on today's Place d'Armes. Baroque in style, it was completed in 1683.

1800: GROWING CONGREGATION 

With the growing population, the church could no longer meet the needs of the faithful. The project for a new building is entrusted to James O'Donnell. The Irish-born New York architect chose the Gothic Revival style for the new church.

1824: START OF WORK 

Construction of the new church begins and continues until 1829. It could now accommodate between 8,000 and 10,000 worshippers, making it the largest church north of Mexico in North America at the time.

1830: PROGRESS

The old church is demolished. The first tower (west) was completed in 1841, followed by the second (east) in 1843.

1882-1888: THE PULPIT

Erection of the pulpit, installation of icons and sculptures, and replacement of all pews. In 1888, a new chapel was built and named Notre-Dame-du-Sacré-Coeur.

20^th CENTURY MODIFICATIONS

A number of changes have altered the appearance of Notre-Dame church, the most important of which is undoubtedly the installation of the altar in the center of the sanctuary, a modification brought about by the Second Vatican Council.

1978: A DEVASTATING FIRE 

A fire severely damaged the church. The first two levels are rebuilt identically, using cabinet-makers, sculptors and carpenters working to traditional methods.

1982: FROM CHURCH TO BASILICA

In 1982, Pope John Paul II elevated Notre-Dame to the rank of basilica minor - a status that honors the historical, architectural and artistic value of a church. He visited the church in 1984.

Research and writing: Baptiste Zapirain

Design and digital experience: David Lambert

3D: Jean-Hugues Levasseur

Sources: Notre-Dame Basilica, Daniel Durand (DFS Architecture), archives

Images and video: Envato, Normand Rajotte, DFS Architecture, Journal de Montréal archives, WikimediaCommons, Ville de Montréal archives