The Take As France’s Notre Dame reopens, whose heritage is worth $1bn?
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Dec 6, 2024 Léopold Lambert, Architect and editor-in-chief of The Funambulist, dives into the grand reopening of Notre Dame after its $1bn restoration. He questions why some cultural treasures are prioritized over others and reflects on the emotional impact of the 2019 fire. The discussion addresses global responses to heritage preservation and contrasts Notre Dame with the destruction of sites in Gaza and Lebanon. Lambert provocatively examines the politics of space and the inequalities surrounding cultural heritage, urging listeners to consider what history truly deserves to be maintained.
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Personal Notre Dame Fire Memory
- Léopold Lambert recalls the evening of the Notre Dame fire, initially working at the office.
- He climbed onto his roof to view the smoke, then biked along the Seine, observing Parisians' reactions.
Ambiguous Feelings about Fire
- Lambert felt ambiguous about the fire, acknowledging the building's historical significance.
- He felt the media dramatized the emotional response and prioritized other social injustices.
State Capacity and Priorities
- The state's rapid Notre Dame rebuild showcases its capability when focused.
- Lambert argues this urgency should prioritize public services like hospitals and schools over monuments.