Janice R. Andrews
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to offer the world its first official look at the newly restored Notre Dame Cathedral on Friday, marking more than five years since the devastating fire that severely damaged the Parisian landmark. This highly anticipated event comes just days before the cathedral’s grand reopening on December 7-8, allowing a glimpse into the transformed interior of the 850-year-old structure.
A Monument Rebuilt
On April 15, 2019, the fire that engulfed Notre Dame shocked the world, destroying much of its interior, including its iconic spire. In the aftermath, Macron vowed to rebuild the cathedral within five years and make it “even more beautiful” than before. Now, French authorities believe this ambitious goal has been achieved, and the restoration has been hailed as a success.
The project, dubbed the “building site of the century,” involved 2,000 skilled workers from 250 companies, all collaborating to restore Notre Dame’s splendor. From architects to masons, engineers to woodworkers, every expert played a crucial role in bringing the cathedral back to life.
Macron expressed his gratitude, stating that the Friday event would serve as a special thank you to all those involved in the restoration, including artisans, craftsmen, and workers from various trades who contributed their expertise.
An Extraordinary Effort
The restoration of Notre Dame has been a massive and costly undertaking, totaling nearly €700 million ($750 million). This has been funded by a remarkable €846 million in donations from over 150 countries.
Key restoration achievements include:
- Spire Reconstruction: The cathedral’s 19th-century gothic spire has been fully restored, replicating the original design.
- Stained Glass Revival: Notre Dame’s famous stained glass windows have been carefully restored, bringing their colors back to life.
- Organ Restoration: The cathedral’s monumental organ, damaged by smoke and water, has been repaired and is ready for use once again.
- Fire Prevention System: A modern fire protection system, including discreet pipes designed to release water droplets in the event of a fire, has been installed to safeguard the cathedral against future disasters.
Macron’s Inspection
Accompanied by his wife Brigitte, Macron will carry out a televised inspection of the cathedral on Friday morning at 9:30 a.m. GMT. During the visit, he will tour significant areas such as the nave, choir, and chapel, while engaging with the workers who contributed to the project.
More than 1,300 workers, including carpenters, sculptors, and engineers, are expected to attend the event to be personally thanked by Macron. The inspection will showcase the success of the restoration and honor the contributions of all those involved.
A Landmark Reopening
The cathedral will officially open its doors to the public on December 7, marking the beginning of a weekend filled with significant events. On the same day, Macron will address the crowd inside Notre Dame, an extraordinary event given France’s strict separation of church and state.
The following day, Sunday, December 8, will see the first mass held in the cathedral since the fire, with the consecration of a new altar.
Before the fire, Notre Dame attracted 12 million visitors annually, but now, after the restoration, authorities expect a surge in visitors, with projections of 14 to 15 million visitors each year. While discussions of charging an entrance fee have arisen, the Paris diocese has insisted on maintaining free admission for all, citing its importance as a public space.
Lingering Questions
While the restoration is nearly complete, investigations into the cause of the fire continue. Early findings suggest the blaze may have been caused by an accident, such as a short circuit, a welder’s torch, or even a cigarette.
The reopening of Notre Dame is not just the completion of a monumental restoration project but the beginning of a new chapter for the cathedral. It stands as a symbol of resilience, craftsmanship, and France’s cultural and spiritual heritage. As it prepares to welcome visitors once again, Notre Dame reclaims its place as one of the world’s most beloved landmarks.
