The construction of a contemporary gallery designed to protect the portal of Angers Cathedral has reached a major milestone with the installation of decorative moldings that crown the structure. The innovative project, conceived by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is scheduled for inauguration in April 2026.
For several weeks now, skilled craftsmen have been working to install seven archivolts - five on the exterior and two on the interior of the gallery. These decorative arches arrived at the construction site in separate pieces and are being carefully assembled on-site to complete the gallery's structural framework. The archivolts will serve as the final elements to enclose the gallery structure.
The decidedly minimalist structure replaces a medieval gallery that once protected the western portal of the cathedral. "This project harmonizes perfectly with the ancient architecture, since we find the same arch designs with the same curves," explained Valérie Gaudard, curator at the DRAC (Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs) of Pays de la Loire. "I think that at some point, we will truly have the impression that everything was made and conceived together."
The primary purpose of the new gallery is to shelter the polychrome sculptures from the 13th century that adorn the medieval portal, which were restored in 2018, from weather and sunlight. "To preserve them, it was necessary to build an airtight structure that would allow less impact from air, light, and humidity," Gaudard noted. The gallery will provide crucial protection for these historically significant artworks against environmental damage.
Once the installation of the archivolts is completed, construction will continue with the installation of a roof made from fiber-reinforced concrete, a material chosen specifically for its lightweight properties. "It will ensure waterproofing and rainwater drainage inside the load-bearing walls and uprights of the gallery," Gaudard explained. "This is an extremely technical construction project. Everything is calibrated to the millimeter."
The gallery construction represents a careful balance between modern architectural innovation and historic preservation. The project demonstrates how contemporary design can respectfully complement ancient structures while providing necessary protection for irreplaceable cultural artifacts. The technical precision required for the project reflects the high standards needed when working with such significant historical monuments.
Construction work on the gallery is expected to be completed in February 2026, with the official inauguration ceremony planned for April 9, 2026. The completed structure will mark a significant achievement in architectural preservation and contemporary design integration.
