NOTRE-DAME

(RE)BIRTHS

15 APRIL - 15 JUNE 2022

Three years ago, a dreadful fire devastated Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral. On 15 April 2019, what went up in flames was not only one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture but most importantly a symbol of the nation. For more than eight and a half centuries, its imposing silhouette has dominated the heart of Paris and has always been considered one of the most emblematic monuments of Paris and France.

From this April and for two months, Alliance Française de Singapour has decided to put the spotlight on the architectural masterpiece, “Our Lady of Paris”, to continue sharing French cultural heritage with all communities through the French Excellence programme.

Full progamme in PDF here.

PART OF FRENCH EXCELLENCE

NOTRE-DAME is part of French Excellence, a programme created by Alliance Française de Singapour to share the best of French culture with the local community. Through a large array of exhibitions, workshops, talks, screenings, and more, we hope to create a dialogue between cultures and to strengthen the ties between people.

EXHIBITION: (RE)BIRTHS

At the heart of this programme, Alliance Française will present a spectacular exhibition "(Re)births" on the cathedral's construction and its successive restorations. You will be able to immerse yourself in the history of Notre-Dame, in 3D models, VR, videos, photographs and computer-generated images. From the first stone to the renovation site, come and discover the cathedral, which became one of the symbols of France through the centuries.
A fantastic VR experience is offered in the exhibition, for visitors to enjoy a unique virtual tour of Notre-Dame de Paris.

16 April - 15 June
La Galerie
Free | Booking on Saturdays is recommended.
[More info here]

EXHIBITION: ETERNAL NOTRE-DAME

By Michel Setboun

To pay tribute to the majestic and iconic cathedral of Paris, photographer Michel Setboun practised his art in 3 different styles: Black and White, Colors, and Comic book processing. This stunning series celebrates Notre-Dame de Paris, both Parisian and universal, intimate and mysterious, multiple and eternal.
Michel Setboun’s photographs are shown everywhere in the world. His Ayatollah Khomeini portrait is considered one of the 100 most remarkable photographs of our century.

16 April - 15 June
Level 2 - Corridor
[More info here]

EXHIBITION: THE SECURITY SITE IN COMICS

Intended for all audiences, this exhibition looks back on the primary operations of the cathedral security site and the trades (know-how) that have been mobilized.

Five renowned and highly talented French-speaking cartoonists offer the public an educational and didactic dive into the heart of the security site to meet the different jobs.

16 April - 15 June
Library
More info here

TALKS

To bring different perspectives on Notre-Dame de Paris and its rebirths, an array of talks will be offered: a conference about the heritage in France and worldwide of Viollet-le-Duc, a conference on how Ubisoft contributes to making Notre-Dame de Paris revived through its video game creations, a discussion on the reconstruction of Notre-Dame with the front-line master builder.

May-June 2022
More details here

SCREENINGS

Come to our theatre to discover an immense documentary looking back at that fateful night and the people who heroically saved the church, in Notre-Dame de Paris by Jules and Gedeon Naudet, as well as a feel good movie on the craft guild Les Compagnons du Devoir with Compagnons by François Favrat.

May-June
More info here!

FOR KIDS: ARCHITECTURE wORKSHOPS

With Studio BTY

Introduce children to the architecture of Notre-Dame de Paris with Studio BTY.
In a tutorial-like creative setting, children will find out about architecture in a playful way. A professional architect will guide them in their reflections so that they mature their own ideas through drawings and models.
For kids from 7 to 13 years old.
Wednesday 8 and 15 June

More info here

WORKSHOPS: FRENCH EXCELLENCE FOR THE PALATE

Indulge yourself and plunge even deeper in the French Excellence with these workshops, to discover more about wines, cheeses, Cognac, Champagne... Bringing you the finest of French delicacies, this is the perfect activity for fun with friends!

May-June
[More info here]

LA MÉDIATHÈQUE: LIBRARIANS’ PICK ON NOTRE-DAME

La médiathèque has specially curated a selection of books on the theme of Notre-Dame de Paris. Come visit us to find out more about this historic monument and its literary representation by Victor Hugo.

More info here