Notre Dame Cathedral Reopens After Five Years of Reconstruction

The historic Paris landmark hosts its first public Mass since the 2019 fire, marking a moment of global unity and cultural renewal.

Notre Dame Cathedral reopened its doors on December 7, 2024, following a five-year restoration effort after the devastating 2019 fire that nearly destroyed the iconic structure.
The reopening celebrations included a symbolic ceremony led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, attended by world leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Sunday's inaugural Mass featured the consecration of a new bronze altar, the return of the cathedral's 8,000-pipe organ, and the participation of clergy from around the world with 2,500 attendees inside.
The restoration effort, funded by over €846 million in donations from 150 countries, involved meticulous work to preserve historical authenticity, including the reconstruction of the iconic spire and the cleaning of centuries-old stained glass and stonework.
A weeklong series of religious celebrations, including the return of the revered Crown of Thorns relic, is underway, with the cathedral now open to both worshippers and visitors.