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Architecture of Transcendence, 1988

This atmospheric short film presents the many wonders of France’s Cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais, from its intricate stained glass to its soaring, vaulted interior.
This article is part of From the Vaults, a series that shines a light on the Museum’s audiovisual archive.

This atmospheric short film presents the many wonders of France’s Cathedral of Saint Peter of Beauvais, from its intricate stained glass to its soaring, vaulted interior. Although construction began in 1225, the cathedral remains unfinished today after braving numerous structural alterations and disasters. Ambitiously designed as the largest church in Europe, it enjoyed a brief stint as the world’s tallest building from 1569 through 1573. At 157 feet high, its choir is still unsurpassed. Music by Philip Glass.


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