Historical Timeline 

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 and updated on October 18, 20251 min read
Notre Dame Basilica: 15 Key Dates in 200 Years of History 

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. 

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