Overview

• Notre Dame Cathedral reopened on December 7, 2024, following a five-year restoration after the 2019 fire that nearly destroyed the 861-year-old monument.
• The reopening ceremony, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, featured symbolic door-knocking and performances by choirs and the cathedral's restored organ.
• French President Emmanuel Macron and around 50 world leaders attended the event, celebrating the global effort that raised nearly $1 billion for the restoration.
• The first Mass, held on December 8, included the consecration of a new bronze altar containing relics of five saints tied to Paris, marking a spiritual milestone.
• Enhanced fire prevention systems and restored architectural elements, such as the spire and stained-glass windows, highlight the blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern innovation.