Image credit: Mike Quinn / Geograph Britain and Ireland / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0 · 2011-03-08 ↗
Jean Cocteau’s Murals at Notre Dame de France
Leicester Square / Soho · Piccadilly → St James’s → Covent Garden · Hidden church / modern sacred art / spectacular interior
Story
Only a few metres from the noise and screens of Leicester Square, an unassuming doorway leads into a completely different world. Notre Dame de France is London’s French Catholic church, and the present building preserves the site’s unusual circular plan. Its predecessor was badly damaged during the Blitz, and the church was rebuilt in the 1950s as a showcase for modern French sacred art. The great secret lies within the Lady Chapel. Jean Cocteau — poet, filmmaker, draughtsman, and one of the twentieth century’s most distinctive French cultural figures — worked here in November 1959. The murals depict the Annunciation, Crucifixion, and Assumption, executed in Cocteau’s characteristic fluid, economical line. They are his only murals in the United Kingdom. Do not expect Baroque colour and ornament; their power lies in the sparse drawing, lightly coloured figures, and the way Cocteau transforms a small chapel into something intensely personal. Remember that this remains an active church. If Mass, prayer, or another service is taking place, sightseeing must give way to worship.
What to look for
Within the Lady Chapel, look for the three main scenes: the Annunciation, the Crucifixion, and the Assumption. Also notice the church’s other modern French artworks throughout the building.
Secret detail
These murals were created during Cocteau’s brief working period in London in November 1959 and are his only mural works executed in the United Kingdom, offering a unique glimpse of his art outside France.
Where exactly
At 5 Leicester Place. Enter Notre Dame de France and find the Lady Chapel; the murals are not visible from the street.
Orientation
You are at the entrance. Once inside, find the Lady Chapel and face its three painted walls.
Why it matters
This place reveals how a religious community rebuilt its space after the war, making it a remarkable centre for modern sacred art. It is a surprising haven of calm and French creativity in the heart of bustling London.
Access & opening
Current public opening should be checked against church/service schedule; external guides report long daily opening, but services and parish activity take priority.
Free ordinary church visit; donation welcome
We never show live status. Check opening hours before you go.
Accessibility
Check current church accessibility information before making a step-free guarantee.