Paris, France – July 23, 2025 | Africa Live News – In a groundbreaking fusion of culture and technology, American tech giant Microsoft has announced a strategic partnership with the French government and local startup Iconem to create a highly detailed digital twin of the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral. The initiative comes as the famed Paris landmark nears the final stages of its extensive restoration—six years after a devastating fire consumed large sections of the historic structure.
The project, unveiled at the French Ministry of Culture on Monday, aims to digitally preserve every inch of the cathedral with high-resolution precision, offering a revolutionary way to view, study, and safeguard the building for future generations.
A Marriage of Heritage and Innovation
At the core of the project is the use of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge image acquisition technology. Microsoft, renowned for its global leadership in AI development, will provide technological and computational support to Iconem, a Paris-based firm known for its expertise in cultural heritage digitization.
Together, they plan to process hundreds of thousands of ultra-high-resolution photographs and 3D scans to assemble a digital replica of Notre Dame, accessible not only to preservationists and scholars but eventually to the general public.
“This is the right time, this is the right project,” said Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith during the signing ceremony. “We have an opportunity to maintain this magical, wonderful asset for French society and the world.”
Rebuilding Notre Dame—Virtually
The digitization project coincides with the final stretch of the physical restoration of Notre Dame Cathedral, which was severely damaged in April 2019 when a massive blaze tore through its wooden roof and iconic spire. The French government, under the direction of President Emmanuel Macron, has committed substantial resources to rebuilding the structure and preserving it as a global symbol of French cultural heritage.
Now, with the aid of AI and digital imaging, Notre Dame will not only stand once more in stone but will also be eternally preserved in digital form. The virtual twin will serve as a historical archive, scientific resource, and potential tourist experience for generations to come.
“It will create a tool for preservationists in the future—hundreds of years from now—because they’ll be able to preserve the cathedral with this detailed knowledge of what it looks like today,” added Smith.
Learning from Saint Peter’s Basilica
The collaboration between Microsoft and Iconem is not new. The two firms previously partnered on a similar project to digitally recreate Saint Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City, providing researchers and visitors unprecedented access to details that are virtually impossible to observe during a typical tour.
Yves Ubelmann, CEO and co-founder of Iconem, explained the capabilities of the technology by pointing to their success in Rome. “The technology allows us to see details that are hard to see when you visit the monument. At Saint Peter’s, some mosaics are 120 meters above the ground. Thanks to the technology that we use, including image acquisition, we can see every detail of these mosaics.”
The success of the Saint Peter’s digital twin provided a strong foundation for applying the same principles to Notre Dame, a monument equally rich in intricate architecture, sculpture, and artwork.
Open Access and Education
In a move praised by heritage conservationists, Microsoft and Iconem have pledged to donate the completed digital twin of Notre Dame to the French state. This ensures the technology and data will remain in the public domain for use in educational, preservation, and cultural contexts.
“This isn’t just a commercial or technological venture—it’s a gift to history,” said a representative from the Ministry of Culture during the signing of the convention. “It enables the public to engage with one of our most important monuments in new and immersive ways.”
The digital replica is also expected to be a centerpiece of the upcoming Notre Dame Museum, which was announced in 2023 by President Macron as part of a broader initiative to elevate France’s cultural infrastructure post-restoration.
A New Era of Digital Preservation
As the world increasingly turns to digital tools for conservation, the Notre Dame project stands as a powerful example of how heritage and high-tech can coexist. Experts believe that this type of documentation will become standard practice in safeguarding historic sites vulnerable to time, disaster, or conflict.
The Notre Dame digital twin will serve as a benchmark for similar projects across the globe, highlighting how global partnerships can preserve humanity’s shared treasures.
“This project is not just about looking back at what we’ve lost, but about preparing for the future,” said Brad Smith. “Digital preservation is the future of conservation, and we’re proud to be part of that future with France.”
As Notre Dame’s spire once again pierces the Parisian sky, this virtual twin ensures that no matter what challenges lie ahead, its legacy will remain timeless—etched not only in stone, but in code.
