The Archdiocese of Paris has just unveiled the new interior of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. French designer Guillaume Bardet was at the centre of the design process and even though his minimalistic aesthetic is in line with the current design wave, his creations are also the subject of critique.
Since the devastating fire in 2019, the Notre Dame de Paris Cathedral has been undergoing a thorough rebuilding and renovation process. Because of the collapse of the roof structure, many of its interiors had to be remade or redesigned altogether. Images of the new interiors have now been unveiled to the public, with the reopening of the building scheduled for late 2024, yet another big event for Paris this year just months after the Olympics.
Following an official selection process, organised by the Archbishop of Paris, in which applicants were asked to strive for ‘noble simplicity’, French designer Guillaume Bardet was tasked with designing five main pieces which will be at the centre of the new interior: an altar, lectern, cathedra with seats, tabernacle and baptistery.
“They should resonate with conviction for Catholics and captivate the attention of non-Christians”, Bardet said about his designs. “Each element carries its own distinct identity, symbolism, and purpose, yet together they form a cohesive ensemble that engages in a meaningful dialogue. These pieces should exist within and beyond the realm of liturgy: not demanding attention, but also not hiding away. They should have a subtle yet undeniable presence. The pieces should embody the essence of the past, embrace the present, and welcome the future.”
Bardet opted to make all five pieces from bronze, a simple yet sturdy and aesthetically pleasing material. Two other designers were involved in the making of the furntiture for the cathedral. Ionna Vautrin was in charge of designing the 1,500 solid oak chairs and Sylvain Dubuisson developed the reliquary housing the Crown of Thorns.
Even though the designs have mostly been welcomed with enthusiasm, some Catholics aren’t just as pleased with his aesthetic choices. “A personal opinion: Ikea design from the 70s, which will age as quickly as the decision-makers of this mediocre choice. Unworthy of the builders of the cathedral, and of the mystery that remains, thank God”, X-user @PhdeStGermain wrote.
Social media aside, the religious press isn’t too keen on Bardet’s pieces either. In an opinion piece published in the weekly magazine Famille chrétienne, art historian Pierre Téqui spoke about the “omnipresence of abstraction”.
