Notre Dame reopens in historic ceremony

Paris, December 7, 2024 – After five years of extensive restoration following a devastating fire, Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen, marking a significant achievement for France and the world. The grand structure, which took nearly two centuries to build, now stands as a symbol of resilience and unity, following an ambitious restoration effort that drew attention from across the globe.

The reopening ceremony will take place inside the cathedral, as forecasts predict strong winds for Saturday. US President-elect Donald Trump, First Lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and Kosovo’s President Vjosa Osmani are among the 1,500 guests who will gather to witness the historic occasion. The ceremony will be led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who emphasized that the cathedral is "more than a French monument" but an important part of global cultural heritage.

The event will combine religious traditions with cultural celebrations, including a concert honoring those who contributed to the reconstruction. This ceremony comes at a time of global division, with conflicts ongoing in Ukraine and the Middle East, making Notre Dame’s reopening a powerful symbol of hope.

Security will be heightened across Paris this weekend, and access to the Île de la Cité, where the cathedral is located, will be restricted to residents and invited guests. For the public, 40,000 spectators will be able to watch the ceremony from large screens placed along the Seine River.

The cathedral, which previously welcomed 12 million visitors a year, is expected to attract 15 million annually after its restoration. The funding for the restoration, which included nearly $1 billion in global donations, reflects the worldwide admiration for the iconic structure.