Notre-Dame de Paris: what is the cathedral treasure and where is it kept?

Slowly accumulated over the centuries, looted in 1793 and during the riots of the July Monarchy, then reconstituted thanks to the cathedral restoration of 1849, saved from the fire of 2019, the treasure of Notre-Dame de Paris has seen many twists and turns.

This treasure trove, kept in a special room in the monument, is home to some remarkable objects. Relics, statues, paintings, sculptures, illuminated manuscripts, religious objects and vestments, candlesticks, furniture... The treasure served as an emergency reserve for the French monarchs, valuable objects that the kings could sell off piece by piece to replenish their coffers.

Between sales and lootings, this treasure has thus passed through the centuries with difficulty. Most of the items on display in the Chapter's sacristy date from the 19th century.

But why are the objects kept in Paris Cathedral so special? Notre-Dame's official website explains that a religious treasure is made up of objects that are " in contact with the body of Christ in the form of the host and the wine ". Since they are so closely linked to Christ, chalices (which receive wine), ciboria (where consecrated hosts are placed) and all objects used for communion are made from noble and rare materials.

Similarly, all the accessories and vestments used during Masses, sacraments and feasts... have long been made from precious materials.

Treasure therefore refers to objects that are sacred and important to worship, but also and above all to objects of great value. Gold, precious stones, mother-of-pearl or pearls, rich fabrics... These works of art were crafted by highly skilled artisans using sumptuous materials.

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The most precious items in this treasure trove are undoubtedly the relics: objects or body parts that belonged to the Virgin Mary, Jesus Christ or the saints.

The treasury of Notre-Dame de Paris contains the crown of thorns worn by Jesus Christ before his crucifixion, a fragment and a nail from the cross of Christ, as well as the vestments, jawbone and rib of Saint Louis, the French king canonized by the Church.

The objects in the cathedral's treasury were most often donated by French noble families, Popes, visiting foreign sovereigns, representatives of other countries and cultures...

For the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris, a new scenography has been imagined to better showcase these exceptional objects. What's more, many of them have been restored and cleaned over the past five years.

While you're waiting to visit the cathedral and admire these priceless works with your own eyes, you can discover them in our report on theMusée du Louvre's exhibition dedicated to the treasures of Notre-Dame de Paris.

Le Trésor de Notre-Dame de Paris, the cathedral exhibition at the Musée du Louvre - our photos
Four years after the fire that ravaged Notre-Dame de Paris, the Musée du Louvre is hosting its relics and treasures in a historic exhibition, from October 18, 2023 to January 19, 2024, before they are returned to the building at a later date. An exhibition not to be missed! [Read more]