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Notre-Dame Reopens After €700 Million Restoration; Over 50 World Leaders to Attend

Dec 6, 2024, 11:22 AM

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen this weekend, December 7 and 8, 2024, after over five years of reconstruction following the devastating fire in April 2019 that severely damaged the 850-year-old Gothic landmark. The restoration, overseen by chief architect Philippe Villeneuve, involved craftsmen using traditional methods and innovative technology, utilizing 2,500 trees and costing approximately 700 million euros ($740 million), to restore the cathedral to its former glory. The reopening ceremonies will include performances by artists such as South African opera singer Pretty Yende. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead over 1,500 guests in a reopening service on Saturday evening. Over 50 world leaders are expected to attend, including Donald Trump, Prince William representing the United Kingdom, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, and U.S. First Lady Jill Biden. A message from Pope Francis will be read at the beginning of the ceremony. French President Emmanuel Macron, who mandated the rapid restoration, will address the attendees. Tight security measures will be in place, including road closures and public transport disruptions around the cathedral.