Who We Are: Guardians of a Sacred Heritage

Established on February 23, 1966, Les Amis de la Basilique de Liesse (Association W022001977) is a registered nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and cultural animation of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Liesse.

Located at 2 Rue Abbé Duployé in Liesse-Notre-Dame, our association serves as a bridge between the glorious history of this pilgrimage site and its future as a beacon of culture, music, and spiritual reflection. For nearly sixty years, we have worked alongside the community to ensure that this monument—a masterpiece of historical and architectural significance—remains vibrant, accessible, and meticulously maintained.

Our Mission Statement

The mission of Les Amis de la Basilique de Liesse is threefold: to protect, to promote, and to educate. Our primary purpose is the enhancement and management of the Basilica’s interior heritage, with a specific focus on the Merklin Organ. We act as the stewards of the instrument’s soul, ensuring its mechanical integrity and its voice are preserved for generations. We strive to transform the Basilica from a silent monument into a living space where history, faith, and the arts converge.

Our core objectives include:

1. Heritage Preservation: Maintaining the structural beauty and historical artifacts of the Basilica.

2. Musical Stewardship: Ensuring the continuous functioning and expert maintenance of the Merklin Organ.

3. Cultural Vitality: Organizing concerts, educational workshops, and events that celebrate the intersection of sacred art and modern culture.

4. Community Support: Facilitating culturural and cultual activities that respect the legislative framework of the 1907 Act, ensuring the Basilica remains a welcoming space for all.

Our Vision for the Future

We envision the Basilica of Liesse-Notre-Dame not just as a relic of the past, but as a dynamic cultural epicenter for the Hauts-de-France region. Our vision is to foster a “Cultural Sanctuary” where the Merklin Organ serves as a global draw for world-class musicians, students, and tourists. We aim to expand our pedagogical reach, making the complex history of the Basilica and the intricate mechanics of organ music accessible to the youth and the curious-minded. By integrating modern restoration techniques with traditional stewardship, we seek to ensure that 100 years from now, the Basilica remains as breathtaking and relevant as it was at its inception.

Our Core Values

Our work is guided by four fundamental pillars:

1. Authenticity and Integrity

We are committed to historical accuracy. Every restoration effort and every public event is designed to honor the original spirit of the Basilica and its creators. We act as transparent stewards of the funds entrusted to us by our members and donors.

2. Artistic Excellence

The Merklin Organ is a masterpiece of engineering. We believe that such an instrument deserves nothing less than excellence in its upkeep and the performances it hosts. We strive to bring high-caliber artistry to our rural community, democratizing access to world-class music.

3. Inclusivity and Welcome

While we protect a site of immense spiritual significance, our association is open to all. Whether you are a pilgrim, a lover of architecture, a music student, or a local resident, we believe the Basilica is a shared heritage that belongs to everyone.

4. Educational Legacy

We believe that heritage only lives if it is understood. We value the transmission of knowledge—teaching the next generation the “why” behind our history and the “how” behind our preservation efforts.

Our Activities & Impact

The Merklin Organ: The Heart of Our Association

The organ is more than just a musical instrument; it is a complex machine of wood, metal, and air. Our association manages the daily “health” of this instrument. This includes:

• Maintenance & Tuning: Regular professional inspections to prevent deterioration.

• Concert Series: Bringing renowned organists to Liesse-Notre-Dame to showcase the unique tonal qualities of the Merklin.

• Pedagogical Programs: Opening the loft to students and curious visitors to learn about organ-building (facture d’orgues).

Monument Enhancement

Beyond the music, we focus on the Mise en valeur (enhancement) of the Basilica’s interior. This involves supporting the restoration of liturgical art, improving visitor signage, and collaborating with local authorities to ensure the monument is both safe and stunning.

Cultural and Cultual Synergy

Working within the framework of the French law of January 2, 1907, we ensure a harmonious balance between the religious life of the Basilica and its role as a public historical monument. We organize events that respect the sacred nature of the site while inviting the public to appreciate its secular beauty and historical depth.

Why Your Support Matters

As an organization with zero salaried employees, every Euro donated and every hour volunteered goes directly toward the preservation of the site. We are a labor of love, driven by the belief that beauty and history are essential to the human spirit.

By supporting Les Amis de la Basilique de Liesse, you are not just maintaining a building; you are:

• Saving a rare Merklin Organ from the silence of disrepair.

• Keeping the doors of a 13th-century heritage site open to the public.

• Ensuring that the history of Liesse-Notre-Dame continues to be told.

Legal Transparency & Governance

We believe in full transparency for our donors and partners.

• Official Name: LES AMIS DE LA BASILIQUE DE LIESSE

• Legal Status: Association déclarée (Nonprofit)

• SIREN: 834 893 315

• RNA (National Registry): W022001977

• TVA Intracommunautaire: FR83834893315

• Headquarters: 2 Rue Abbé Duployé, 02350 Liesse-Notre-Dame, France

Our activities are classified under Code NAF 91.03Z, specializing in the management of historical sites and monuments. We operate under the governance of a dedicated board of volunteers who meet regularly to oversee the association’s projects and financial health.