Photo Essay

The Framework

Aerial view from directly above Mary pointed down showing paint chips and weathering of the top of the dome.

Photo Essay

Gilding Mary

Gold leaf being applied to the statue of Mary atop of the dome during the regilding process.

Photo Essay

Gilding the Dome

A worker meticulously applies gold leaf to the surface of the Dome.

Tall Tale

The scaffolding constructed for the regild measures 197 feet from the ground to the top of the structure.

Preserving Our Lady

Combining the surface area of the Dome and Mary, approximately 7,000 square feet will be regilded.

Primed for Success

The primer, or glue, that holds the gold in place takes 24 hours to set before gold can be applied.

Teamwork

Fewer than two dozen people are involved in the regilding process, including preparations, repairs, painting, and application of the gold itself.

How Things Have Changed

Generations ago, regilders climbed out small access hatches at the base of the statue of Our Lady and used ropes to anchor themselves while they worked.

Protecting the Dome

Each gilding lasts 15 to 20 years and is assessed on a yearly basis.

The Gold Standard

If in a controlled environment, gold lasts forever; only the elements cause it to show wear.

Story

The heart of Notre Dame

If the Basilica of the Sacred Heart represents the soul of Notre Dame, then surely the Main Building and its ubiquitous symbol of the Golden Dome is the beating heart of the campus, pumping vigor and purpose to the interlaced arteries of an academic and residential community.

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Story

Raised high on a Dome

Before what is arguably the world’s most recognized college landmark—the University of Notre Dame’s iconic Golden Dome atop its Main Building—could be regilded this summer and fall for the 12th time, it first had to be gilded.

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Rolls of thin gold leaf being applied to the surface of the dome with a roller.

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.

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Tony Polotto standing in front of the Golden Dome as it was surrounded by scaffolding during the regilding process.

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.

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