As the construction work on the BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Paris continues apace, a special exhibition located underneath the recently restored iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral in the French capital commemorates the grand new spiritual landmark of the city.
Hosted by Pavillon de l’Arsenal at Espace Notre-Dame, ‘Sacred Places: Building, Celebrating, Coexisting’ explores the theme of sanctity in the context of architecture, religion, nature, and its evolving role in modern society. The BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir in Bussy-Saint-Georges, being designed according to ancient Indian architectural traditions, is presented in a contemporary, multifaith European setting.
Sanjay Kara, a Trustee of BAPS UK & Europe, notes: “It is an honour for BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir to be a part of the ‘Sacred Places’ exhibition and already be considered a valued part of Paris’ religious landscape.
“To be included alongside such iconic Parisian landmarks, both religious and non-religious, also reflects its architectural and cultural significance. We are grateful that the Mandir is able to represent the Hindu community within Paris’ rich and diverse artistic and architectural heritage.
“This exhibition provides a wonderful platform to share the values of peace, devotion, and sanctity that are integral to the creation and functioning of the Mandir.”
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The Mandir, set to open in 2026, is featured through various visual mediums – a framed exhibit on the wall, a spatial blueprint on the floor, and a detailed account in the accompanying exhibition book, Lieux Sacrés. The blueprint on the floor, alongside other architectural landmarks of Paris, such as the Pantheon and Notre-Dame Cathedral, highlights the significance of the Mandir to the people of Paris.
Mathieu Lours, a distinguished French historian of architecture and the curator of Sacred Places, commented: “We have created [‘Sacred Places’]… to highlight all the sacred buildings that are not necessarily historical monuments, but that deserve recognition because they give meaning to places and bring beauty to them.”
The exhibition also recognises the location of the Mandir on the unique Esplanade des Religions et des Cultures in the Parisian district of Bussy-Saint-Georges. Sitting alongside other places of worship, the Mandir plays an important role with other faith communities in promoting interfaith harmony and serving as a beacon of diversity, inclusivity, and cooperative coexistence.
BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir is being crafted using centuries-old techniques, with stone sourced and intricately carved in India before being transported to France, where it will be assembled in Paris by expert French contractors working alongside skilled Indian artisans. This innovative, collaborative method of constructing the Mandir demonstrates how religious architecture continues to evolve while staying connected to its historical roots.
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The Sacred Places exhibition will run until the end of May at the Espace Notre-Dame in central Paris, inviting visitors to discover the history, significance, and artistry behind sacred buildings from various traditions.
Marion Waller, Director of the Pavillon de l’Arsenal, reflected on the broader themes of the exhibition: “The sacred manifests itself in many buildings, which you can see in this exhibition – both religious buildings and non-religious sacred sites, such as places of remembrance, places dedicated to death, and nature.”
*Info: BAPS Swaminarayan Hindu Mandir, Paris
