Rebuilding Notre Dame

J

Jeff Grossman

Jeff Grossman
Sotheby's: "Our 17 April sale in London features 25 limited-edition Versailles Celebration Cases comprising five Ch“teau Mouton Rothschild vintages with labels by outstanding contemporary artists. Successful bidders on these beautifully crafted collectors’ cases will receive an invitation for two to attend a private visit and tasting at Ch“teau Mouton Rothschild as well as the Versailles Celebration Gala Dinner at the Palace of Versailles on 21 September 2019, where ex-cellar vintages of Ch“teau Mouton Rothschild will be served, including the legendary 1945.

Proceeds from the sale of these 25 cases were originally designated to fund restoration projects at the Palace of Versailles. Ch“teau Mouton Rothschild and the Palace of Versailles have now jointly announced that the sale proceeds will be donated to efforts to rebuild Notre Dame Cathedral."

The estimated value is 10,000-50,000 euros per lot.
 
Isn't the Catholic Church sitting on a lot of cash? They don't pay taxes to anyone on it, AFAIK. Just sayin'.
 
originally posted by VLM:
Isn't the Catholic Church sitting on a lot of cash? They don't pay taxes to anyone on it, AFAIK. Just sayin'.
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Notre Dame is owned by the French state. I would guess so are most of the other major historic cathedrals. Notre Dame and Reims still regularly host significant state events. The Catholic Church does help with upkeep and could certainly afford to do more. There's a lot more they could afford to do about a lot of things.. As no doubt could Jeff Bezos from another thread. But it is a state building.
 
originally posted by Jonathan Loesberg:
originally posted by VLM:
Isn't the Catholic Church sitting on a lot of cash? They don't pay taxes to anyone on it, AFAIK. Just sayin'.
Click to expand...

Notre Dame is owned by the French state. I would guess so are most of the other major historic cathedrals. Notre Dame and Reims still regularly host significant state events. The Catholic Church does help with upkeep and could certainly afford to do more. There's a lot more they could afford to do about a lot of things.. As no doubt could Jeff Bezos from another thread. But it is a state building.
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Correct. Given the legal distinction it is perfectly appropriate for the state to pay. Besides, it looks as if a hefty amount of the sum will be supplied by private individuals or companies -- LVMH, Pinault -- and this too is perfectly appropriate.

I don't know how much information is reaching the U.S. media, but the damage one might have assumed by seeing the video of the fire could be less severe. Radio France is reporting that there is no "visible" damage to the organ, though heat and water damage expected. Furniture and sculpture is being hauled out. I assumed the chancel screen was a goner -- but now have some hope it wasn't burned to a cinder.
 
Update: There is a competition to design a new roof and spire for Notre Dame. A dozen architecture firms have already revealed their thinking. One firm has proposed a swimming pool. Several propose a glass roof (one very specific and detailed plan here).

Macron wants the job done in 5 years but restoration experts say it will take 10-15.

The archbishop observed that the money offered by the leading French families has yet to be collected.

And so it goes.
 
originally posted by Jeff Grossman:
Update: There is a competition to design a new roof and spire for Notre Dame. A dozen architecture firms have already revealed their thinking. One firm has proposed a swimming pool. Several propose a glass roof (one very specific and detailed plan here).
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I can see why they'd want to rebuild it as it was, but I think the linked design is spectacular, remarkably well integrated into the Cathedral, echoing the old stained glass and buttresses. The swimming pool idea is demented, was that a joke?
 
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