Brazilian museologist is responsible for the Notre-Dame collection

PARIS, FRANCE (FOLHAPRESS) – At the beginning of the year, when she saw a vacancy on the Internet to work on the renovation of Notre-Dame, Carolina Vernei Alves Ferreira sent her CV, “a little desperate.”

Today, the 28-year-old Brazilian museologist is responsible for the collection of historical pieces at the Paris cathedral. “To this day, I think what’s happening looks like a movie,” he says.

Carolina is in charge of the cataloguing, conservation and logistics of more than 1,300 pieces, ranging from the supposed crown of thorns of Jesus Christ (whose exact location remains confidential) to the statue of the Virgin, which is one of the main relics of Notre-Dame. Give me. -Lady.

“My job, basically, is to ensure that the life of these objects is preserved in the best way possible,” he says.

With a degree in museology from Unirio (Federal University of the State of Rio de Janeiro), Carolina decided to try her luck in France three years ago, without ever having left Brazil. A natural path, according to her, due to the strong French influence in her area. In Paris he completed his master’s degree and worked at prestigious institutions, such as the Museum of Man and the Quai Branly Museum, famous for their ethnographic collection.

His interest in museology arose in his hometown. Despite being small—40 thousand inhabitants—Paracambi (RJ) has a rich historical heritage, related to the coffee growing cycle of the 19th century.

Carolina says she believes that her training in museology in Brazil, more eclectic than in other countries, favored her professional career in France. “In Brazil, the museologist ends up having to do everything. So I already had experience with very different collections,” he says. His contract is temporary and extends until the middle of next year.

Over the last few weeks, Carolina has been able to enter the cathedral on several occasions and see it as it will be discovered by the public starting this weekend. “I took advantage and took all the photos I could so I could take it easy later, because I know there will be a crowd there now.”

In addition to her, another Brazilian participated in the preparations for the reopening of Notre-Dame this Saturday (7), five years after the fire that almost destroyed the cathedral. Luciana Lemes, 29, was one of those in charge of tuning the church organ. Produced in 1868, it will be played again this Sunday (8).