After five years of extensive restoration work following a devastating fire, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has once again opened its doors to the public, marking a significant moment of rebirth and celebration for Parisians and the global community alike.
The reopening ceremony began with the Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, symbolically striking the cathedral’s doors three times with his crozier. This act officially marked the end of restoration works that salvaged the 860-year-old Gothic masterpiece from the brink of collapse.
The reopening night was filled with tributes and expressions of gratitude towards those who contributed to the cathedral’s restoration. The word “Merci” was projected onto the facade of Notre Dame, acknowledging the global outpouring of support that followed the fire.
“Tonight, we can together share joy and pride. Long live Notre Dame de Paris, long live the Republic, and long live France”, French President Emmanuel Macron told the crowd in celebration of the swift and ambitious renovation as a triumph over adversity.
Fire has not conquered stone, despair has not conquered life.
Monsignor Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, rector of Notre Dame Cathedral
The event was attended by over 1,500 guests, including dignitaries and celebrities from around the world, such as US First Lady Jill Biden as well as President-elect Donald Trump, along with Prince William and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. Actress Salma Hayek and her husband, French fashion mogul François-Henri Pinault, who $113 million for restoration were also in the crowd. And, paying tribute to their contribution, first responders and restorers who played crucial roles in the cathedral’s salvation and restoration were also in attendance.
The entire cathedral has been meticulously restored, from its spire to its flying buttresses and the famous stone gargoyles, all brought back to their former glory. The cathedral’s structural and aesthetic repairs included the reconstruction of the rib vaulting, and the cleaning and restoration of its façade and interiors. Thousands of craftsmen, including carpenters, stonemasons and stained-glass specialists, worked tirelessly, using a combination traditional craftsmanship techniques and modern technology to restore the cathedral to its original splendour.
Notre Dame’s restoration also involved cleaning the iconic limestone façade and replacing the medieval roof structure, famously known as “the forest.” The great organ, saved from the fire, was cleaned of lead dust and restored to its full sonic range, filling the cathedral with music during the reopening ceremony.
The restoration was supported by a global fundraising initiative that raised over 840 million euros, a testament to the worldwide cultural importance of Notre Dame. Looking ahead, the cathedral is expected to host 15 million visitors annually, serving once again as a beacon of faith, art and history.
Plans for the future include the continuation of cultural and religious activities, with several Masses scheduled to give thanks to those involved in the restoration efforts. Additionally, the successful preservation efforts have ensured that funds remain for ongoing maintenance and future investments in the building.
