Images courtesy Ateliers Perrault, Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris, and La Maison Luquet
On April 15, 2019, the world watched in horror as fire engulfed the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris, one of the most treasured structures of the last seven centuries and a cultural landmark of universal value. Not only does Notre-Dame embody the soul of global--and French--heritage, it is also a testament to centuries of belief, history, art, and architectural brilliance. Its restoration transcends mere reconstruction; it signifies humanity's commitment to to preserving the cultural treasures that bind us all.
The ceremonial reopening of Notre-Dame on December 27, 2024, reinforced the importance of preserving and cherishing our global heritage for today, and for the future.
This exhibit celebrates the extraordinary skills of the craftsmen and artisans responsible for bringing the cathedral back to life. Because of their talents, Notre-Dame de Paris has been saved to inspire future generations.
This exhibition is generously supported by Houston Public Library, Houston Public Library Foundation, City of Houston, Archaeology Now, Villa Albertine - Consulat Général de France à Houston, Alliance Française de Houston, Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris, Maison Luquet, Ateliers Perrault, Handshouse Studio, Houston Area Blacksmith's Association, and the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs.
Images courtesy Raquel Natalicchio and Houston History Research Center
At the heart of Al Otro Lado/The Other Side lies the convergence of individual stories and geographical context. This exhibition features the work of photojournalist Raquel Natalicchio, focusing on her portraits and interviews of people who have migrated to the United States. Their personal narratives, highlighting their diverse experiences and journeys, are paired with historical maps highlighting regions along the U.S.-Mexico border, sourced from the Houston History Research Center. These maps not only chart physical landscapes but also document the history leading up the establishment of the border and the socio-political complexities surrounding immigration.
En el corazón de “Al Otro Lado/The Other Side” se encuentra la convergencia de historias individuales y contexto geográfico. Esta exposición presenta el trabajo de la fotoperiodista Raquel Natalicchio, centrándose en sus retratos y entrevistas de personas que han migrado a Estados Unidos. Sus narrativas personales, que resaltan sus diversas experiencias y trayectorias, se complementan con mapas históricos que ilustran las regiones a lo largo de la frontera entre EE.UU. y México, provenientes del Houston History Research Center. Estos mapas no solo trazan paisajes físicos, sino que también documentan la historia que condujo al establecimiento de la frontera y las complejidades sociopolíticas en torno a la inmigración.
About the Photojournalist | Sobre la fotoperiodista
Raquel Natalicchio is a bilingual photojournalist originally from Los Angeles, now based in Houston as a staff photojournalist for the Houston Chronicle. Her work focuses on social issues, migration, political mobilization, and community-driven stories across the U.S.–Mexico border. Her long-term project Borderlands explores the cultural and human complexity of border life. A passionate educator, she has developed photography curricula for Las Fotos Project and the Houston Center for Photography, empowering youth through self-expression. Natalicchio has organized exhibitions and talks in Houston, Los Angeles, New York, and London. She is South Regional Chair of the National Press Photographers Association and founder of The Open Door Gallery, a roaming gallery dedicated to supporting artists and building community.
Raquel Natalicchio es una fotoperiodista bilingüe originaria de Los Ángeles, California, y actualmente reside en Houston, Texas, donde trabaja como periodista visual para The Houston Chronicle. Raquel documenta temas sociales, migración, la movilización política y historias impulsadas por la comunidad a través de la frontera entre EE.UU. y México. Su proyecto a largo plazo llamado “Borderlands” explora la complejidad cultural y humana de la vida fronteriza. Educadora apasionada, ha desarrollado programas de fotografía para Las Fotos Project y The Houston Center for Photography, empoderando a los jóvenes a través de la autoexpresión. Natalicchio ha organizado exposiciones y conferencias en Houston, Los Ángeles, Nueva York y Londres. Raquel es la Presidenta Regional Sur de la National Press Photographers Association y fundadora de The Open Door Gallery, una galería itinerante dedicada a apoyar a artistas y fortalecer la comunidad.
JOIN US
>> ARTIST WALKTHROUGH | Saturday, July 19, 3:00 - 4:00 PM <<
Saving Immigrant Voices (Freeing DETAINED Texas Tour: Houston) | Wednesday, May 21, 2:00 PMOpening Reception with Raquel Natalicchio | Saturday, June 14, 1:00 - 2:00 PMThis exhibition is generously supported by Houston Public Library, Houston Public Library Foundation, and City of Houston.
Esta exposición cuenta con el generoso apoyo de Houston Public Library, Houston Public Library Foundation y City of Houston.