Notre Dame de Paris: From Victor Hugo to Eugène Viollet-Le-Duc

The Crypt of Notre-Dame welcomes all to an exhibition that pays tribute to two key figures who played a significant role in the cathedral’s revival!

Highlights

Get access to a special exhibition retracing the turning point in Notre-Dame’s history
Discover how Victor Hugo’s acclaimed novel awakened the Notre-Dame’s existence
Learn all about Eugène Viollet-le-Duc’s efforts in reviving the Gothic monument
See early pictures of the cathedral signed by the greatest photographers of the time
Explore the Gallo-Roman remains which occupy the center of the crypt
Turn back time with the help of film reproductions, 3D models, and digital devices

Inclusions

Admission ticket
Access to Victor Hugo and Viollet-le-Duc Exhibition

Cancellation policy

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

Your Experience

The archaeological crypt of the Ile de la Cité, situated under the forecourt of Notre Dame Cathedral, has reopened its doors to the public for the first time after the catastrophic fire of April 15, 2019. In honor of the occasion, the crypt is hosting a special exhibition that retraces the history of the cathedral, all the way back to the time of Victor Hugo.

The dawn of the 19th-century saw an already deteriorating Notre-Dame, then a victim of vandals and lack of maintenance. It was even suggested that the building be demolished. It wasn’t until Victor Hugo’s famous novel The Hunchback of Notre-Dam was published, that the illustrious cathedral was profoundly established in the collective consciousness. What was initiated by Hugo was further implemented by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, who revived the building through an ambitious restoration project. Thanks to these two figures, the cathedral went on to become a true 'national heritage monument', embodying the soul of a city. What the exhibition conveys is the extraordinary resurrection of an abandoned monument, now celebrated around the world. A collection of old and fragile photographs, architectural drawings, writings, interactive videos, and other materials serve to celebrate many episodes of the cathedral’s existence.

Commision

Vincent Gille, curator, Maison de Victor Hugo
Anne de Mondenard, chief curator, department of photography and digital images, Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris
Sylvie Robin, chief curator of the archeological Crypt and of the department of archeology, Musée Carnavalet - Histoire de Paris
Charles Villeneuve de Janti, chief curator, director of collections, Paris Musées

Know Before You Go

COVID Update

Wearing a mask is compulsory for all visitors aged 11 and above
Please keep a distance of one meter from other visitors and staff
Wash your hands regularly, especially before entering the crypt. Hydroalcoholic gel will be available at the entrance
Styluses are available for use with digital tools. Please do not handle the screens with your fingers

Important Information

Toilets and changing rooms are not available
The archaeological crypt is accessible to people with reduced mobility

Dates and Timings

Availability: 9 Sep 2020 – 9 Sep 2022
Open: Tue-Sun | 10 AM – 6 PM
Closed: Mon and bank holidays

Discounted Tickets

This experience is free for children aged below 18. Youth between 18 and 26 enjoy reduced prices on their tickets

My tickets

Your voucher will be emailed to you instantly
Please display the voucher on your mobile phone with a valid photo ID at the entrance of the attraction
Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the start time of your tour to avoid delays
If you have purchased reduced-price tickets, please carry your valid photo ID proof for verification

Ticket Redemption Point

You can redeem the tickets directly at the entrance of the attraction: Archaeological crypt of the Île de la Cité
Address: 7 Parvis Notre-Dame - Pl. Jean-Paul II, 75004 Paris, France

Get Directions to the Redemption Point