Microsoft to Digitally Preserve Notre-Dame Cathedral

Microsoft, in partnership with the French government and heritage digitization startup Iconem, is launching a project to create a high-resolution digital twin of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Using advanced imaging and AI, the initiative aims to preserve every architectural detail for restoration, maintenance, education, and public engagement. The digital replica will be donated to the French state and made accessible to archivists, museums, and global audiences through immersive virtual experiences. Building on previous digital preservation efforts, such as St. Peter’s Basilica, the project is expected to last at least a year and cost several million dollars. Broader objectives include digitizing more French cultural artifacts and expanding AI support for European languages. This effort highlights the increasing use of technology to protect and share cultural heritage.