https://www.nd.edu/stories/golden-hour/ * Skip To Content * University of Notre Dame Stories Golden Hour It's time to shine. For the first time in nearly two decades, the famous dome atop the University's Main Building is being regilded. 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. Third time's the charm The first Main Building, built in 1843, was replaced in 1865. When fire destroyed the second building in 1879, a third went up in record time, completed the same year. A Golden Opportunity Fr. Sorin insisted the Dome be gilded in gold. To get it done, he appointed himself chair of the Council of Administration and refused to hold meetings until the council finally agreed. The Gift of Our Lady The statue of Mary, which sits atop the Golden Dome, is 17 ft. tall and weighs approximately 4,000 lbs. 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. Read story 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. Read story On the Horizon Be sure to check back regularly for new content centered on the regilding process. Here's a glimpse of what's to come: * Delve into the rich history of the iconic Golden Dome and discover the tireless efforts taken to preserve its timeless beauty for future generations. * Explore the science behind the artistry--the intricacies of and techniques used to go from gold to gilded. * Immerse yourself in a captivating photo essay offering an intimate view of the work involved in regilding the Dome. * Golden nuggets: Quench your curiosity with fascinating facts about Mary, the Dome, and the regilding process. * Senior Director of Construction and Quality Assurance Tony Polotto provides insight into how it feels to be involved with the regilding process not once but twice; what it takes to plan, coordinate, and execute a project of this magnitude; and his thoughts on what success looks like at the end of the project. University of Notre Dame * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram * YouTube * LinkedIn (c) 2023 University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN 46556 USA 41.703234 -86.238985 Phone: (574) 631-5000 Contact * Search * Mobile App * News * Events * Visit * Accessibility * Emergency * Closed Captioning