Notre Dame reopens after five years of restoration

December 8, 2024 – Notre Dame Cathedral opened its doors again for the first time since the devastating 2019 fire, marking a stunning recovery for one of Paris's most iconic landmarks. The ceremony, originally planned for outdoors, was shifted inside due to heavy winds but lost none of its grandeur.

Among the 1,500 guests were world leaders like U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, Prince William of Britain, and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who all gathered to celebrate the cathedral’s return to life. The event provided a rare moment of triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who has been grappling with political unrest back home.

Macron, standing beneath the cathedral’s restored arches, called the reopening "a flood of hope" and expressed his gratitude to those who helped restore the historic site. “Today, the bells are ringing again, and the organ plays the music of hope,” he said, as the cathedral’s 7,952-pipe organ filled the space with sound for the first time in nearly five years.

The restoration itself is nothing short of miraculous. Some 42,000 square meters of stonework, equivalent to six football fields, have been meticulously restored. The oak beams used to rebuild the spire, dubbed "the forest," now stand tall once again.

For Macron, this event wasn’t just about the cathedral—it was a moment to rally national pride and demonstrate France’s unity, despite ongoing political turbulence. Archbishop Ulrich, dressed in vibrant velour gowns designed by Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, led the ceremony, blending modern design with the cathedral’s ancient beauty.

“This cathedral is a symbol of hope, not just for France but for the world,” said Notre Dame’s rector, Olivier Ribadeau Dumas. With plans to attract 15 million visitors annually, Notre Dame is poised to reclaim its role as a global symbol of resilience and unity.