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Philippe Villeneuve  is the Chief Architect of Historic Monuments in France and is best known as the lead architect overseeing the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral after the 2019 fire. A specialist in heritage preservation, he has spent his career stewarding some of France’s most iconic historic sites, serving as Architect in Chief for the Domaine National de Chambord before being appointed to Notre-Dame in 2013. He was named a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in recognition of his contributions to French cultural heritage.

In leading this globally watched restoration, Villeneuve has positioned Notre-Dame not only as a religious and architectural icon, but as a case study in how heritage institutions navigate the demands of tradition, tourism, craftsmanship, and modern safety in the 21st century. 

Moderated by Michel Picaud, Founder and President of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris. Since the catastrophic fire of April 15, 2019, the mission of The Friends of Notre-Dame has been to help fund the reconstruction and restoration of what has been called “the beating heart of Paris.  

In partnership with the Alliance Française Miami Metro, the Alliance Française de Chicago, and the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris



Upcoming Events

Thursday, December 4, 2025

This illustrated lecture will explore the long and eventful history of the Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, from its foundation in 1163 to the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, which destroyed its attic, roof, and iconic spire.

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Thursday, December 18, 2025

Part 3 of our Before and After series looks to the future of Notre-Dame’s surroundings. In 2022, the City of Paris chose Bas Smets and his team to redesign the public spaces around the cathedral. He will present plans for the forecourt, underground areas, the Jean XXIII garden, and the riverbanks—an ambitious project designed to create a cooler microclimate.

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Story Time

L'Heure du Conte

French story time!

Saturday, November 22, 2025

We invite parents and children to gather in the children's room of our library for a magical story time in French!

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