Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens December 8 After Five-Year Restoration; Macron Hails 'Sublime' Work

Nov 29, 2024, 09:21 AM

Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen to the public on December 8, 2024, marking more than five years since the devastating fire on April 15, 2019. President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte Macron, paid his final visit to the restoration site on November 29, expressing his admiration by stating, "C'est sublime" upon entering the restored cathedral. Over 1,000 artisans have worked tirelessly to restore the iconic landmark, including the authentic reconstruction of the 13th-century spire using traditional methods. The cathedral's interior, featuring the restored nave, wooden framework comprising approximately 2,000 pieces of wood, and the renovated rose windows, has been unveiled to the public for the first time. The reopening will include a series of events, with an opening ceremony featuring President Macron and Archbishop Laurent Ulrich on December 7, followed by the first mass on December 8. The cathedral is expected to attract approximately 15 million visitors after its reopening. President Macron had pledged to restore Notre-Dame within five years, and with the completion of the restoration, he declared, "L'impossible a été rendu possible."