The Sainte Chapelle
Tucked into the centre of Paris’ île de la Cité, the Sainte Chapelle is a gem of gothic heritage, famous for its 1,113 pieces of stained glass depicting biblical scenes from Genesis to the Apocalypse. Constructed in a record-setting seven years at the order of Louis IX to house the relics of the Passion of Christ, it was completed in 1248 and remains one of the most stunning architectural masterpieces of the Middle Ages.
A fragile work of art in need of preservation
This marvel, classified as an historical monument since 1862, is a fragile artwork requiring regular restoration. Over the course of centuries, the Sainte Chapelle has known several periods of decline, notably after the French Revolution, when its relics disappeared, and it was turned into a depot of archives from the Palais de Justice. Ever since, continuous efforts have been deployed to preserve this unique building.
In 2008, the management of the Sainte Chapelle was handed over to the Center for National Monuments (CMN), which undertook numerous restoration projects. Between 2009 and 2014, significant work was carried out on the stained glass in the northern façade and the western rose window, costing 9 million euros, with the support of the Fondations Velux.
A work of heartfelt passion
Today, the Sainte Chapelle once again finds itself at a crossroads, with several restoration projects becoming urgent. The CMN, responsible for the conservation of over 100 monuments across France, lacks the necessary funds to undertake all these crucial projects. In this context, the support of the private sector has become essential.
The Groupe Dassault, aware of the importance of preserving this priceless site, has worked alongside CMN to safeguard this piece of French cultural heritage. The projects currently underway include restoring the porches, repairing the western façade, cleaning the panes of the northern stained-glass window in the lower chapel, and restoring the southern and eastern bays of the upper chapel, including the iconic relic bay.
A commitment for future generations
Through this engagement, which reminds us that the preservation of our collective history is a shared responsibility, the Dassault Group, via the Dassault Histoire et Patrimoine endowment, participates in the preservation of one of the most beautiful works of gothic art in the world, thus allowing future generations to continue to feel enchanted by the splendour of the stained glass of the Sainte Chapelle. This historical monument will see its grandeur restored and will continue to bear witness to the excellence of 13th-century Parisian architects.