The Our Lady of Hope Basilica in Mézières

She could go unnoticed, and yet… Our Lady possesses a real gem. After the two World Wars, the window was totally destroyed. The town called upon a number of art workshops. Against all odds, the proposal made to Picasso was positively received. The great artist himself took an interest and became fascinated by the project. However, there was a major concern: Picasso was not a believer! No matter: he entrusted this huge commission to his deeply pious pupil, René Dürrbach. He was to devote 25 years to the task, and together with glassmaker André Seurre he created a work covering 1000 m2, dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The window is marked by the symbolism of the Picasso School. Completed in 1979, this intimist composition speaks to all and is open to every culture.

The basilica welcomes visitors daily, thanks to volunteers who can offer you the keys needed to ‘read’ this complex work.