What to Know About Notre-Dame’s Reopening
In April 2019, the world watched in horror as flames engulfed the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral. The devastation was palpable, with an 860-year-old symbol of cultural and historical significance partially destroyed. However, after a remarkable five-and-a-half-year restoration effort, the cathedral reopened its doors on December 7, 2023, with much anticipation.
The Journey to Reopening
On April 15, 2019, fire ravaged Notre-Dame, shrouding Paris in a veil of smoke and uncertainty. The cause, suspected to be an accident due to electrical faults or human error, remained elusive. Despite the damage—a collapsed spire and ruined wooden roof—French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to restore this jewel within five years.
How Was Notre-Dame Reconstructed?
The reconstruction was a monumental task that involved 2,000 dedicated workers from various disciplines: construction workers, artisans, carpenters, glassmakers, and sculptors. This team rebuilt the cathedral using traditional methods and medieval tools to preserve its historic essence.
- Two thousand oak trees were felled across France to replace damaged woodwork.
- A new golden rooster now crowns the spire, a tribute to both tradition and modern craftsmanship.
- The iconic gargoyles and intricate stonework were painstakingly restored or recreated.
Cost of Restoration
With a restoration bill tallying approximately $767 million, the effort was largely funded by global donations. Over 340,000 contributors from 150 countries raised over $928 million. This generosity not only covered costs but also left funds for future preservation efforts.
The Fashion World’s Response
Parisian fashion houses and figures showed solidarity in the wake of the fire. Riccardo Tisci, Clare Waight Keller, Anthony Vaccarello, Olivier Rousteing, and Jean Paul Gaultier expressed their sorrow through social media platforms.
- Kering’s François-Henri Pinault donated $113 million to the cause.
- LVMH’s Bernard Arnault contributed a staggering $226 million, with L’Oreal following suit.
Keynote Attendees at the Reopening
The reopening ceremony was attended by global dignitaries including around 50 heads of state. Despite not attending in person, Pope Francis underscored his support for keeping focus on Notre-Dame itself.
Ceremonial Highlights
During the opening event, traditional religious ceremonies took center stage. The grand organ was “awakened,” and psalms were sung as part of a sacred ritual to consecrate the cathedral anew.
What Happened at the Reopening?
The reopening ceremony featured a speech by Macron, followed by an orchestral performance led by Gustavo Dudamel. The night included performances by international stars such as Pharrell Williams and Yo-Yo Ma. Notably, the grand organ played Saint-Saëns’ “Organ Symphony” to mark the occasion.
Open to Public
The cathedral is now open for visitors, with free tickets available through a dedicated app. An exhibition detailing the reconstruction process offers further insights into this incredible journey of restoration.
Future Plans
While the cathedral has reopened, work continues until 2026 to complete the apse and sacristy, along with new stained glass windows. A design competition seeks French artists to contribute their visions for these future elements.