Notre Dame Cathedral to Reopen After Five-Year Restoration Following Devastating Fire

The iconic Parisian landmark will welcome visitors starting December 8, marking a milestone in its €700 million reconstruction effort.

Notre Dame Cathedral, severely damaged by a fire in April 2019, has undergone extensive restoration and is set to reopen to the public on December 8, 2024.
The reconstruction, which adhered to traditional medieval techniques and materials, included replacing 1,200 oak beams and restoring the spire, stained glass, and organ pipes.
Over €846 million was raised from 340,000 donors across 150 countries, funding both the cathedral’s restoration and other heritage projects in France.
The restoration faced significant challenges, including lead contamination, delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the accidental death of project leader General Jean-Louis Georgelin in 2023.
The reopening fulfills President Emmanuel Macron’s ambitious five-year timeline and highlights the dedication of over 2,000 artisans and workers who contributed to the project.