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Smartphone app brings Chartres Cathedral stained glass to life
A groundbreaking smartphone application developed by the International Stained Glass Center in Chartres allows visitors to explore the cathedral’s famous stained glass windows in unprecedented detail. By simply pointing their phone at a window, users can view it in high definition and learn about its story and symbolism.
Jean Touchard, head of digital projects at the Center, explained that many visitors previously photographed the windows without understanding their meaning. Inspired by a mother-daughter exchange, the team sought to make these centuries-old artworks "speak" to the public.
The app currently covers 50 stained glass panels and uses algorithms similar to those in facial recognition and autonomous vehicle technologies. It accounts for changes in light throughout the day, weather, and seasons to deliver an accurate representation of the artwork. Over 3,000 photographs and extensive archival work were needed to document 10,000 medallions and 20,000 iconographic details for this “pocket encyclopedia.”
Félicité Schuler-Lagier, a guide with twenty years of experience, emphasized that stained glass windows historically required interpretation to understand their meaning. The app decodes colors, gestures, and clothing details, making the experience educational for all ages, particularly children.
The app, funded almost entirely by sponsorship (€270,000), will be available for free by the end of October. Its creators hope to expand this innovative tool to other heritage sites in France and around the world, aiming to combine heritage preservation with interactive learning.