Notre Dame Basilica: 15 Key Dates in 200 Years of History
From the start of its construction in 1824 to the AURA multimedia experience, Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal has continuously reinvented itself. Let's go back in time through 15 chronological milestones: architectural landmarks, innovations, and both spiritual and public events that trace the evolution of one of Quebec's most visited monuments.
Published on Oct 18th 2025 | Updated on Oct 22nd 2025 1 min read.
1642
Founding of Ville-Marie; birth of the first Notre-Dame parish.
1672
Laying of the first stone of the original church, built with fieldstone.
1824
Construction begins on the current Notre-Dame church (now the basilica), under the supervision of architect James O’Donnell.
1829
Official inauguration of the church, with a capacity of 8,000 worshippers, a record in North America at the time.
1841
Completion of the West Tower (La Persévérance).
1843
Completion of the East Tower (La Tempérance).
1859
Architect Victor Bourgeau designs the church’s interior polychromy.
1888
Construction of the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, a neo-Gothic masterpiece.
1891
Installation of the Casavant grand organ; Opus 26, with 7,000 pipes.
1910
Hosting of the 21st International Eucharistic Congress, welcoming 75,000 pilgrims.
1978
Fire destroys the chapel; reconstruction takes place from 1979 to 1982.
1982
Pope John Paul II elevates Notre-Dame Church to the rank of basilica.
1991
Centennial restoration and digitization of the Casavant organ.
2017
Launch of the AURA immersive experience; attracting 650,000 spectators in its first three years.
2020
Start of the 2020–2040 restoration programwith a $50 million budget.
