In Retrospect: Decades Apart, Same Iconic Views

Author: Manas Yadav

If there’s one thing that doesn’t go out of style, it’s a good photo. Photography editor Manas Yadav set out to recreate historic shots, capturing how our university has simultaneously evolved and stayed the same. The University of Notre Dame Archives provided scans of the original photos.

1.The Grotto: The original photograph shows Notre Dame’s Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes circa 1920. The photographer is unknown. Manas Yadav recreated the view on Oct. 12 using a Leica M8.

ND Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes Oct 12. 2026
Photo courtesy of Manas Yadav.
ND's Grotto of Our Lady Lourdes circa 1920
Photos provided by Notre Dame Archives.

2. Main Building: Photographed circa the 1950s by a Notre Dame university photographer, the main building rises around the surrounding trees. Yadav photographed the building from a similar angle on Oct. 12 using a Leica M8.

Main Building circa 1905s
Photo provided by Notre Dame Archives.
Notre Dame Main Building Oct. 12
Photo courtesy of Manas Yadav.

3. Basilica of the Sacred Heart: A photograph taken circa the 1950s by a Notre Dame university photographer frames the Basilica alongside the main building. Yadav recreated the composition on July 16 using a Leica Q3 43.

Notre Dame Basilica of the Sacred Heart circa 1950s.
Photos provided by Notre Dame Archives.
ND Basilica of the Sacred Heart July 16th 2026
Photo courtesy of Manas Yadav.

4. Marching Band: In 1975, a Notre Dame university photographer captured the drum major, marching band and Irish Guard preparing to leave the stadium tunnel. Yadav’s photograph, taken on a Canon R3 at the Notre Dame-Rice Game on Sept. 12, captures the band running onto the field.

Notre Dame marching band 1975
Photos provided by Notre Dame Archives.
Notre Dame band at ND-Rice game on Sept. 12
Photo courtesy of Manas Yadav.