Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on Friday, marking the culmination of a remarkable five-and-a-half-year restoration following the devastating fire of April 15, 2019. President Emmanuel Macron will conduct a televised tour, showcasing the €700 million renovation that has transformed the historic Gothic landmark.
On that fateful night in 2019, viewers worldwide watched in horror as flames engulfed the cathedral’s roof and the 19th-century spire collapsed. Approximately 600 firefighters battled the blaze for 15 hours, narrowly preventing total destruction. While the spire, wooden roof beams, and some stone vaulting were lost, many treasures were miraculously saved, including stained-glass windows, statuary, and the holy Crown of Thorns.
Immediately after the fire, Macron made a bold promise to restore Notre-Dame within five years, a timeline many considered ambitious. A public body was quickly established, and a fundraising appeal generated €846 million from both large sponsors and hundreds of thousands of small donors.
The restoration project was initially led by Jean-Louis Georgelin, a no-nonsense army general who shared Macron’s determination. An estimated 2,000 craftsmen, including masons, carpenters, restorers, and engineers, worked on the project, providing a significant boost to French arts and crafts. The effort has notably increased interest in traditional building skills, with many trades seeing a surge in apprenticeships.
Restoration decisions focused on maintaining historical authenticity. Despite initial proposals for modern interpretations like glass roofs or innovative spire designs, the team ultimately chose to recreate the cathedral’s original structure, with only minor concessions to modern safety requirements. The only remaining point of contention is Macron’s desire for modern stained-glass windows in six side-chapels, which has met with resistance from arts professionals.
The first task was stabilizing the site and removing the melted scaffolding that had fused with the stonework. Experts describe the restored interior as breathtaking, with a new clarity and brightness that contrasts sharply with the cathedral’s previous atmosphere.
For Macron, the restoration represents more than just a architectural project. At a time of low political popularity, the Notre-Dame reopening offers a much-needed morale boost. While some criticize him for organizing an early ceremony that puts him in the spotlight, Elysée officials argue that the state’s ownership of the building justifies his prominent role.
An insider summarized the project’s significance, stating that it demonstrates “the splendour and strength of collective will-power – à la française.” The restoration not only preserves a crucial piece of French cultural heritage but also showcases the country’s exceptional craftsmanship and determination.
The cathedral will officially reopen on December 7, with the first Catholic mass scheduled for the following day, marking a triumphant return for this iconic Parisian landmark.
