The news of Notre-Dame in Paris reopening, five years after a devastating fire, is a huge topic for 56Paris blog readers.
Find out about what’s happening to one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, as it’s returned to its former glory, and reopens this December.
Five long years of restoration
Following years of reconstruction and restoration, Notre-Dame cathedral is finally reopening its doors to the public.
And it’s happening very soon – on December 8, 2024.
The long-awaited event marks a monumental moment for Paris, as the cathedral returns to its full grandeur following the fire in April 2019.
This historic reopening is not only a celebration of Notre-Dame’s architectural beauty. It’s also a testament to resilience, craftsmanship and a commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of the French capital.
A fire that shook the world
It was the evening of April 15, 2019.
Parisians looked up at the spring sky to see flames flickering out from the roof of the cathedral. Crowds gathered to watch, in horror at what was happening.
Soon, flames completely engulfed the roof, and the white smoke turned black. The iconic wooden spire collapsed an hour later.
The fire raged for hours before being brought under control by firefighters, many risking their lives to tackle the blaze.
It was a tragic moment not just for Paris, but for the world, leaving much of the centuries-old structure in ruins.
For many, Notre-Dame isn’t just a building. It symbolizes French history, culture, and of course, faith. The fire felt like a loss for the world’s shared heritage.
The aftermath
In the days following the fire, the true extent of the damage was clear. And it was devastating.
Luckily, the cathedral’s vaulted stone ceiling protected the interior, holding back much of the fire above, and preventing extensive damage inside.
While many workers moved many pieces of art and religious relics to safety, some of the objects suffered smoke damage. But the main altar, pipe organ and 13th - century rose windows remained largely unaffected.
Notre-Dame didn't hold a Christmas Mass that year – marking the first time since 1803 it missed the event.
In 2020, investigators concluded that the fire likely started from either a discarded cigarette, or a short circuit in the electrical system.
In the aftermath of the fire, President Macron pledged to restore the cathedral to its former glory. He promised to complete the work within five years.
The road to restoration
The restoration of Notre Dame has been a meticulous process, taking five years so far – and it’s not yet finished. So the president has only partially fulfilled his promise – although some delays are due to the pandemic.
Sourced from all around the world – artisans and technicians worked tirelessly, making sure every detail was carefully and thoughtfully reconstructed. And where possible, the restoration team salvaged, cleaned and reused the cathedral’s original materials.
One of the most significant challenges was restoring the wooden roof. This is sometimes known as the ‘forest’, due to the 13,000 oak trees used to construct it between 1220 and 1240.
The replacement trees were sourced from forests across France, ensuring the materials used in the restoration are authentic and sustainable.
Similarly, the cathedral’s iconic spire, designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the mid-19 th century, is now faithfully restored to its original design – albeit with slight modifications to bring it in line with modern safety standards.
Notre Dame in Paris reopening this December
The reopening of Notre Dame is a moment of celebration.
Sunday December 8, 2024 coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a significant date in the Catholic calendar. And the cathedral will initially open only for worship.
The first public mass is taking place on the Sunday, when the altar will also be consecrated.
After this time, visitors will return – for the first time in half a decade.
It’s also worth noting, for the first time there’s an entrance fee to pay – €10.
While the cathedral has always been free to enter for the religious services, this new fee is mostly aimed at tourists who wish to walk around and view the full interior.
It’s stirred some debate. Critics argue that it limits access for those who can’t afford the charge. While supporters contend that the funds generated are for the ongoing restoration work, ensuring the cathedral’s survival for future generations.
Restoration work continuing until 2028
While the reopening marks a significant milestone, the restoration of Notre-Dame is far from complete.
The restoration team has scheduled the full program of work to continue until 2028, with several key projects still in progress.
One of the most exciting new developments is the installation of new stained- glass windows, due in 2026. Different artists have designed these contemporary artworks, blending the old with the new.
But that’s not all. Another planned improvement is the installation of 150 trees surrounding the building, and also a covered promenade. These are due for completion in 2027.
These new green spaces will not only enhance the cathedral’s exterior – they’ll offer a serene setting for contemplation and reflection – integrating ancient Notre-Dame into the landscape of modern Paris.
Funding the work
The restoration of Notre Dame has been an enormous undertaking. Not just logistically – but financially too.
Before the smoke even settled, wealthy benefactors had pledged huge donations. This included substantial contributions from the French luxury industry, including LVMH’s Bernard Arnault, and the Pinault family’s Kering group.
Aside from individual donations, the remainder of the funding is from the French government, and also fundraising activities from the cathedral’s own charity, known as the Friends of Notre-Dame.
By the time workers complete all restoration efforts in 2028, the overall cost of the restoration is expected to exceed one billion euros.
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