The crypt at Notre Dame Paris has reopened on September 9, 2020, for the first time since it was damaged due to a fire incident back in April 2019. By Tanvi Jain
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More than a year after massive flames had engulfed the iconic Notre Dame Crypt of Paris, damaging it to a great extent, the place has finally gotten back on its feet and has reopened for public. More than the fire, it was actually the lead dust that had damaged the crypt back in April 2019. But thanks to the cleaning crew who have been on their toes since then, continuously sweeping out the toxic debris, and now have finally managed to once again make the place safe for visitors.
“Before the crypt could reopen, masses of toxic lead dust from the fire had to be removed, ancient stones cleaned, ventilation systems vacuumed, lighting and interactive programmes reorganised, molds eliminated and anti-Covid measures imposed, including rules for physical distancing, mask-wearing, touching interactive screens and limitations on the number of visitors,” Smithsonian Magazine mentioned.
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“It was terrible. There was lead everywhere. Molds and micro-organisms spread, because we had to turn off the ventilation system. So today is an important moment, a very moving moment of renewal and hope for us,” Sylvie Robin, chief curator of the crypt told Smithsonian Magazine.
On the occasion of the reopening of the crypt on September 9, an exhibition was put in place showcasing the history of the cathedral, with the main focus on 19th-century novelist Victor Hugo and the architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who helped restore this 850-year old monument.
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Back when the dome had fallen prey to vandalism and poor maintenance, and there were suggestions of demolishing, it was due to Hugo’s novel — The Hunchback of Notre Dame — that a public movement had resulted in withdrawal of the suggestion, and later the building was restored under the leadership of Viollet-le-Duc.
The key highlights of the exhibition were old photographs, paintings, drawings and film extracts, remains of Gallo-Roman fortifications and thermal baths at the crypt, and the movie — Notre Dame Eternelle — for the visitors.
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