Notre-Dame de Paris Reopens After Five Years of Restoration
On December 7, 2024, Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris officially reopened its doors, marking a significant milestone five years after a devastating fire ravaged the historic structure. The reopening ceremony, attended by approximately forty heads of state and government, was held inside the cathedral due to inclement weather, including strong winds and heavy rain. Notable attendees included former U.S. President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and British royal Prince William.
A Ceremony of Gratitude and Celebration
French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a heartfelt speech during the ceremony, expressing gratitude on behalf of the French nation to all who contributed to saving Notre-Dame. "The bells of Notre-Dame are ringing again," he proclaimed, celebrating the restoration of the iconic cathedral. The Archbishop of Paris, Mgr Laurent Ulrich, performed a traditional act by knocking on the doors of the cathedral with a crosier before opening them, accompanied by the singing of Psalm 23 by the cathedral choir.
The emotional ceremony featured a performance by nearly 150 young choir members, who sang the Magnificat and Te Deum, marking the first time the cathedral's great organ was played since the fire. The organ, blessed by Mgr Ulrich, resonated throughout the cathedral, symbolizing a new beginning for this architectural masterpiece.
Continued Restoration Efforts
While the reopening marks a significant achievement, the restoration of Notre-Dame is far from complete. The cathedral suffered extensive damage in the 2019 fire, which destroyed the roof and led to the collapse of the spire. Although the main structure and many artworks were preserved, ongoing repairs are necessary, including addressing pre-existing damage and redesigning the surrounding area. The total cost of the restoration is estimated at around 700 million euros, with over 2,000 workers involved in the project. Despite the progress, the cause of the fire remains officially undetermined, with investigations ongoing since the incident.
