Heavily damaged in September 1944, Prémontrés Abbey was fully restored between 1965 and 1976. Only the choir of the abbey church was not repaired, and it remained off-limits to the public for safety reasons. In 2013, the abbey and the Association "Friends of Prémontrés" came together to call for donations to help save the choir. This initiative led to the creation of an endowment fund in 2015.

The restoration project began in 2014 in collaboration with the Directorate of Cultural Affairs, the heritage architect Grégoire André and restorers from the Barthe workshop. At a total cost of €888,800, the restoration was able to begin after a preliminary study, thanks to the unwavering support of the Regional Council, the State and local towns.

Today, the characteristic, magnificent baroque sculpture of the choir has returned, along with its colours, a nod to the marble plundered during the Revolution. One of the panels still bears the scars of the clashes, testifying to war's destruction and its risk to heritage.  

On the 24 March, the importance of the choir of Prémontrés’ abbey church will be celebrated, surrounded by the monastic architecture of Lorraine. An opportunity to rediscover the choir’s decor, forgotten for far too long.

Programme

• Guided tours of the choir of Sainte-Marie-Majeure Abbey church : every hour from 1 p.m to 5 p.m.
• Guided tours of the exhibition "Timeless baroque" : 1 p.m, 3 p.m, 5 p.m.
• Free access to the historical monument and the exhibition.

// Organisation: Prémontrés Abbey //