Paris Judge Rejects Bid to Suspend the Replacement of Notre-Dame’s Windows

A Paris judge has rejected a bid to suspend the removal of six 19th-century stained-glass windows by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc from Notre-Dame Cathedral, clearing the way for their replacement with contemporary works commissioned by the French government. The Paris Administrative Court ruled that the project does not constitute an irreversible alteration because the new windows, designed by artist Claire Tabouret and produced by glassmakers Simon-Marq, could be removed in the future, and the original windows will be preserved. The judge did not rule on the legality of the project, which had previously been vetoed by the National Commission of Patrimony and Architecture, leaving the door open for further legal challenges.

"Geschichtspolitisch fatal und realitätsblind"

A German media roundup reports on a planned restructuring of the Stiftung Flucht, Vertreibung, Versöhnung (Foundation Flight, Expulsion, Reconciliation), which would shift its focus toward German expellees and reduce the influence of the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media. The reform, criticized by FAZ commentator Andreas Kilb as a fundamental cultural-political intervention, would detach the foundation from the German Historical Museum and give greater weight to the Federation of Expellees in its board. Separately, the roundup covers a review of a legal study on artistic freedom sparked by the antisemitism debate around Documenta Fifteen, and a speech by Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer warning of democratic backsliding and rising antisemitism.

Column | The Smithsonian’s most contested exhibition is back on view, mostly intact

Columnist Philip Kennicott reports that the Smithsonian's most contested exhibition has returned to public view, largely intact, despite ongoing culture war attacks from the Trump administration. Since Donald Trump returned to office in January 2025, the Smithsonian has been a primary target for the administration's campaign against diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as historical narratives that address slavery, Native American genocide, and the struggles of marginalized communities.

Five Scottish museum collections awarded national significance status

Five museum collections in Scotland have been awarded national significance status on International Museum Day, bringing the total number of recognized collections in Scotland to 56. The newly designated collections are the Linoleum Collection (managed by OnFife), the Photographic Collection (University of St Andrews), the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design Collection (University of Dundee Museums), the Oakbank Collection (Scottish Crannog Centre), and the Art Collection (University of Stirling). The Recognition Scheme, managed by Museums Galleries Scotland, highlights collections beyond those held in national museums and galleries, spanning from Shetland to Dumfries and Galloway.

Sachsen-Anhalt schützt Kunst und Kultur per neuem Gesetz

Sachsen-Anhalt has enshrined support for art and culture as a state objective in a new law, passed by the state parliament in Magdeburg with the exception of the AfD faction, which abstained. Culture Minister Rainer Robra (CDU) framed the law as fulfilling a promise from 1989, defining what constitutes art and culture in the state, including their roles in education and as an economic factor, and aiming to make cultural structures resilient against future attacks on artistic freedom.

The Guest of La Tribune de l'Art No. 29: Alexis Corbière and Alexandre Portier

L'invité de La Tribune de l'Art n° 29 : Alexis Corbière et Alexandre Portier

This podcast episode of L'invité de La Tribune de l'Art features two guests: Alexis Corbière, the rapporteur, and Alexandre Portier, the president of the Commission d'enquête sur la protection du patrimoine national et la sécurisation des musées. Recorded at the Assemblée nationale, the discussion delves into the commission's findings on protecting national heritage and securing museums, following up on a previous article published by La Tribune de l'Art.