Construction progress at Basilica de Saint-Denis, with the site readying for public debut
In the heart of the Dionysian city, a historic site is undergoing a remarkable transformation. The "Follow the Arrow" project, not to be confused with the avant-garde typeface of the same name, is a significant endeavour that promises to redefine the landscape of Saint-Denis.
Two apprentice stonecutters, Albanne and Mathilde, are meticulously carving their way through the Basilica of Saint-Denis. Their work involves precise, calculated gestures, as they maintain tradition and rigorously established standards. Albanne, in particular, is currently tackling the most challenging stone of her career at the site.
The project encompasses a museum space, a cultural mediation space, and a visitable site. A museum space will trace the saga of the spire, including why it was dismantled, what makes it unique, and how it is being reborn today. An immersive cube, measuring 200 m², will offer visitors a 360° projection, allowing them to feel the odyssey of the reconstruction.
The Arrow Factory will be the future heart of the site, blending medieval history and contemporary elements. School groups will manipulate materials in the mediation space, designed with the National Institute for French Know-how, with the goal of raising awareness and potentially creating vocations. Children participating in workshops will even have the opportunity to see their stones rise to the top of the spire.
The stonecutters' lodge, a part of the site where the stones for the reconstruction are cut, is also intended to be a school-site, open to young people in training. The public will be able to visit the site from October 2025, with the hope of attracting up to 300,000 visitors per year, fueled by a post-Olympic dynamic.
The reconstruction project combines medieval techniques and virtual reconstructions. The Basilica of Saint-Denis's arrow, dismantled in 1845, is being reconstructed. The project is estimated to cost 27 million euros.
The "Follow the Arrow" project hopes to boost attendance by +10%, +15%, or sometimes +20%, following the positive impact of the Olympics on Saint-Denis's image. A village atmosphere is being created at the site, featuring artisans' square, open lodges, and a forge in operation.
In summary, the "Follow the Arrow" project is a significant undertaking that promises to revitalise the Basilica of Saint-Denis. The project combines traditional stonecutting techniques with modern technology, creating a unique blend of history and innovation. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the reconstruction process, potentially inspiring a new generation of artisans.
The "Follow the Arrow" project is set to alter the cultural landscape of Saint-Denis, not just through the physical reconstruction of the Basilica's spire, but also by fostering a new lifestyle within the home-and-garden of the Arrow Factory. To nurture this, apprentice stonecutters like Albanne and Mathilde will continue to uphold the traditional craftsmanship that defines the local culture.
