Five years after a devastating fire left Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris severely damaged, the iconic landmark has undergone a remarkable restoration and is set to reopen to the public on December 8. The blaze, which erupted on April 15, 2019, caused the collapse of the spire and extensive damage to the structure. While the cause remains unknown, investigators believe it was accidental.
The restoration project, led by a team of 2,000 artisans, has been a massive undertaking, costing an estimated €700 million. More than €846 million was raised from 340,000 donors across 150 countries, with additional funds allocated for restoring other monuments. The work included replacing 1,300 cubic meters of stone, cleaning and retuning 8,000 organ pipes, and crafting 1,500 solid oak pews.
Key highlights of the restoration include the reconstruction of the spire, now topped with a golden phoenix symbolizing resilience, and the thorough cleaning of the cathedral’s interior. The restoration also preserved and revitalized the iconic stained-glass rose windows, which survived the fire but required meticulous cleaning and repair.The nave of Notre Dame has been transformed since the inferno. Before any work could be done, the building first needed to be secured to prevent damaged portions from collapsing and to support the 28 flying buttresses of the nave. Sarah Meyssonnier/AP
French President Emmanuel Macron, who had set a bold five-year restoration timeline, praised the efforts of the workers involved, calling their achievement a transformation of "ashes into art." The restoration utilized traditional techniques and materials, such as oak and stone, to honor the cathedral’s historical integrity.
As Notre Dame prepares to welcome visitors, the vibrant stained-glass windows and the restored grandeur of the nave and spire stand as symbols of hope and perseverance, ensuring the legacy of this Gothic masterpiece for future generations.