Conference: The Inside Story of the Notre-Dame Incredible Reconstruction

The Alliance Française of New Orleans and the Catholic Cultural Center of New Orleans are honored to welcome Philippe Villeneuve, Chief Architect for Historic Monuments of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, for a special lecture titled “The Inside Story of the Notre-Dame Incredible Reconstruction.”

The conference will take place Saturday, March 14, 2026, at 11:00 AM at St. Louis Cathedral located in the historic French Quarter.  

Following the devastating fire of April 15, 2019, Villeneuve was entrusted with overseeing the cathedral’s reconstruction. Working alongside hundreds of architects, engineers, historians, craftspeople, and artisans, he has led the complex effort to restore the cathedral according to traditional techniques while integrating the latest scientific and structural expertise. His work has placed him at the center of one of the most significant heritage restoration projects in modern history.

This conversation arrives at a meaningful moment: St. Louis Cathedral recently completed a major restoration, making the dialogue between these two cities’ cathedrals especially timely.

This lecture, presented in partnership with the French General Consulate in Louisiana and Villa Albertine New Orleans, continues the organizations’ mission to foster dialogue, education, and cultural exchange between Louisiana and the Francophone world.