![Aerial view from directly above Mary pointed down showing paint chips and weathering of the top of the dome.](images/photo-pre-regild-800.jpg)
![Gold leaf being applied to the statue of Mary atop of the dome during the regilding process.](images/photo-mary-gild-800.jpg)
![A worker meticulously applies gold leaf to the surface of the Dome.](images/photo-dome-gild-800.jpg)
![A view looking up at the dome with sun rays shining through the silhouette of Mary.](images/photo-dome_shine-800.jpg)
Dome Facts
Before and After
Grab and slide the arrows to view the stunning transformation.
![The pitted and weathered golden surface of the Dome.](images/photo-before-dome_surface-800.jpg)
![A newly regilded golden surface of the dome, free of blemishes and flaws.](images/photo-after-dome_surface-800.jpg)
![Pitted and weathered dome surface and facia of the main building of the Dome showing paint missing and bare spots.](images/photo-before-dome_siding-800.jpg)
![The flawless newly painted building and regilded golden dome surface.](images/photo-after-dome_siding-800.jpg)
![An aerial view of the Dome from directly above showing weathered gold and missing paint.](images/photo-before-dome_aerial-800.jpg)
![An aerial view of the Dome from directly above showing shining gold and newly painted building.](images/photo-after-dome_aerial-800.jpg)
![With the Sorin statue in the foreground, a clear view of the weathered dome can be seen over Fr. Sorin's shoulder.](images/photo-before-dome_sorin-800.jpg)
![With the Sorin statue in the foreground, a clear view of the newly regilded dome can be seen over Fr. Sorin's shoulder.](images/photo-after-dome_sorin-800.jpg)
![A close up view of a newly gilded Mary's face.](images/photo-gilded_mary-800.jpg)
A Woman Clothed with the Sun
A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.
![Workers applying gold leaf to the base of the statue of Mary atop the Dome.](images/photo-workers-800.jpg)
Part Art, Part Endurance Sport
The artisans behind the regilding of the Golden Dome
Staying Gold
Gilding is a trade that demands patience, focus, and stamina. The Conrad Schmitt team works to gild Mary and the Dome bringing a fresh shine and optimism to this integral piece of the Notre Dame story.
As Good as Gold
For many on campus, witnessing this process for the first time is a truly memorable experience. And for Tony Polotto, the senior director of construction, the sentiment is no different.