French President Emmanuel Macron visited Notre Dame Cathedral earlier this week, marking his final inspection of the landmark before its highly anticipated reopening in December 2024.
Story Summary:
- Notre Dame Cathedral, extensively damaged by fire in April 2019, is set to reopen in December 2024.
- French President Emmanuel Macron recently toured the restored site, praising the efforts of artisans and architects.
- The reopening marks a key milestone in a broader restoration project, with surrounding areas slated for redevelopment by 2030.
Watch: President Macron visits Notre Dame ahead of reopening
Macron described the cathedral’s restoration as “magnificent” and commended the hundreds of artisans and experts involved in the nearly six-year-long project.
The visit highlighted key restored elements, including the famed spire, which collapsed during the catastrophic fire in April 2019.
Other notable areas showcased included the gold cross at the centre of the nave and the intricate vaulted ceilings, rebuilt with more than 1,000 cubic metres of stone.
Macron’s tour also emphasised the immense scale of the restoration effort, which involved over 1,600 tons of scaffolding to stabilise and repair the structure.
The 2019 fire, which was believed to have been accidental, caused widespread damage to the 860-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Flames engulfed the roof, and the iconic spire collapsed, sparking global shock and an outpouring of financial and technical support for its restoration.
Macron vowed shortly after the disaster to restore Notre Dame to its former glory within five years.
While the reopening comes slightly later than his initial timeline, the achievement is being hailed as a testament to the dedication and expertise of the restoration teams.
When will Notre Dame reopen to the public?
Notre Dame Cathedral will officially reopen to the public during a special event scheduled for 7-8 December 2024, nearly six years after the devastating fire.
The reopening ceremony will welcome the public to the fully restored nave and other key sections of the cathedral, allowing visitors to experience the historic landmark once again.
While the cathedral’s interior will be accessible in December, redevelopment of the surrounding areas will continue until 2030.
Plans for the new courtyard include panoramic viewpoints, upgraded entrances, and limestone paving commemorating the firefighters who battled the 2019 blaze.
