Notre-Dame de Paris: Temporary Grandstands on Parvis Undergo Dismantling
Paris, January 13, 2026 – The temporary grandstands that have stood on the Jean-Paul-II parvis in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral since the devastating fire of April 2019 are currently being dismantled. This significant operation, which commenced yesterday, January 12, 2026, and is scheduled to conclude on February 6, 2026, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing transformation and redevelopment of the cathedral’s immediate surroundings.
The wooden grandstands, affectionately known as ‘Notre-Dame éphémère’ (Ephemeral Notre-Dame), were initially erected to provide a welcoming space and a viewing platform for visitors during the cathedral’s extensive restoration period. Capable of accommodating up to 300 people, they offered a unique vantage point to observe the parvis and the flow of visitors.
A New Phase in Redevelopment
The dismantling process, overseen by the City of Paris, signals the next stage in the comprehensive transformation of the monument’s vicinity. The cathedral itself reopened to the public and for worship at the end of 2024, and now attention turns to its external areas. The site is currently secured with barriers, and public access to the dismantling zone is restricted.
Logistical Challenges and Traffic Constraints
According to an ‘informations travaux’ letter issued by the Paris Centre town hall on January 8, the dismantling involves both the grandstands and associated exhibition buildings. The operations necessitate the use of a crane on the parvis, leading to temporary adjustments in traffic and parking. A police prefecture decree outlines restrictions, particularly in the service road parallel to Rue de la Cité, to ensure the safety of the construction site.
These temporary facilities were constructed above the archaeological crypt of Île de la Cité, a municipal museum showcasing artifacts from antiquity to the 19th century. Their installation followed a request from Notre-Dame’s rector, Mgr Patrick Chauvet, after the fire, with the City of Paris allocating a portion of the parvis for this temporary use.
Archaeological Excavations and Long-Term Vision
In parallel with the dismantling, preventive archaeological excavations are underway on the parvis. Conducted by the Archaeological Pole of Paris, these digs aim to identify any potential archaeological remains that could be affected by future developments. Municipal signs remind the public that similar campaigns in the 1970s unearthed traces of ancient and medieval quarters, which are now visible in the crypt. Objects discovered during the current work may eventually enrich the museum’s collection.
These interventions are part of a broader, long-term project to redefine the areas surrounding Notre-Dame. Valued at 50 million euros and funded by the City of Paris, this project is led by Belgian landscape architect Bas Smets. It envisions the restoration and redesign of the parvis, the banks of the Seine, the underground car park, and the Jean-XXIII and Île-de-France squares, with completion expected between 2028 and 2030. Following the creation of the small parvis for the December 2024 reopening and the development of Rue du Cloître Notre-Dame, the transformation of the tip of Île de la Cité is slated for the first quarter of 2026.
Looking Ahead
The removal of these temporary grandstands marks the end of an era for the Notre-Dame parvis, which has long been characterized by provisional installations linked to the reconstruction efforts. The coming months are expected to progressively reveal the definitive appearance of the cathedral’s surroundings, as Paris continues to balance the preservation of its heritage with the need to accommodate millions of annual visitors.
Source: sortiraparis.com
