Notre Dame: Little else has changed since the completion of Viollet-le-Duc's work, little has needed to. The twentieth century seemed intent on compensating the aged lady for the neglect and abuse of earlier times. In 1909 the cathedral hosted the beatification of Joan of Arc, an event which moved spirit of the nation itself. As Paris became the artistic center of Europe, so Notre Dame became the heart of Paris. Slightly damaged by shelling in 1914, the cathedral survived both World wars virtually intact.