The Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris : Interdisciplinary Perspectives
On November 12, 2024, the French Connexions center of excellence hosted The Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris: Interdisciplinary Perspectives, marking a momentous occasion in anticipation of the cathedral’s official reopening on December 7, 2024.
Organized by Dr. Lionel Cuillé, this event brought together an impressive array of scholars and practitioners for an evening of intellectual exchange, celebrating the cultural and historical significance of the monument.
The colloquium exemplified interdisciplinarity, with contributions spanning architecture, art history, literature, and history. The keynote lecture, delivered by Dr. Jennifer M. Feltman, illuminated the Notre-Dame restoration as a story of resilience and innovation, showcasing the profound discoveries made possible by collaborative research efforts over the past five years.
The event also featured a dynamic roundtable moderated by Eric Mumford, with insights from Julie Singer, Jennifer Popiel, Jonathan Judaken, and Wyly Brown, each of whom explored Notre-Dame through the lenses of history, iconography, and the evolving public imagination.
The gathering filled the Somers Welcome Center with students, faculty, and members of the broader St. Louis community, all united by a shared passion for French culture and history.
This successful evening not only reaffirmed WashU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary scholarship but also underscored the global significance of Notre-Dame as a symbol of resilience, artistry, and collective identity.
