Broken gargoyles and fallen balustrades replaced by plastic pipes and wooden planks. Flying buttresses darkened by pollution and eroded by rainwater. Pinnacles propped up by beams and held together with straps. — New York Times
The historic French monument, Notre-Dame de Paris, has suffered due to time, rain, pollution and wind.
Built from 1160 to 1345, with restorations and additions in the mid 19th century by architects Jean-Baptiste Lassus and Viollet-le-Duc, the cathedral attracts 14 million visitors per year.
The cathedral's spokesman André Finot explained that the cathedral needs an extensive makeover. The cost of the restoration is estimated at 150 million euros (US $180 million).
Pinnacles appear to be melting due to atmospheric corrosion.
Several gargoyles are highly damaged by rain, pollution and wind.
Flying buttresses are one of the most urgent and concerning issues due to their structural function. If one was to collapse, the consequences would be disastrous.
The Friends of the Notre-Dame de Paris association is hoping to raise money from the American public for the conservation of the building.
Despite the efforts made to raise awareness of the urgency of the matter, tourists don't seem to mind the building's aged look.
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