Restoration completion leads to Notre Dame Cathedral's reopening, ending a five-year closure period.
Notre Dame Cathedral, the iconic Parisian landmark that was severely damaged by a fire in 2019, is set to reopen its doors to the public from December 16. Following extensive restoration work, the cathedral will resume its regular schedule, welcoming visitors daily from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m.
One of the most significant aspects of the restoration project has been the preservation and restoration of the grand organ and the three stained-glass rose windows. The grand organ, dating back to 1868 and comprising over 8,000 pipes, miraculously survived the fire despite some water damage. It has since been thoroughly cleaned and restored, and according to experts, is now sounding "as good as ever."
The three stained-glass rose windows, which remained undamaged by the fire, have also been meticulously cleaned. They stand intact, adding their vibrant colours to the cathedral's interior once more.
The cathedral's main structure, including these historic elements, has been stabilized and secured. Extensive work on rebuilding the wooden roof and spire is currently underway, using carefully selected oak timbers. The restoration effort is ongoing, with much of the cathedral expected to be ready by late 2024, though some work will continue well into 2025.
Visitors to the cathedral will notice several changes after the more than five-year restoration project. The cathedral's limestone walls have been scrubbed clean of dust from the fire and more than a century's worth of grime. The interior now houses a brand-new altar and other liturgical furnishings, designed by French artist Guillaume Bardet.
In addition to the cathedral's restoration, several improvements have been made to enhance the visitor experience. A new mobile app will be available in French, English, and Spanish, offering five self-guided tours. Reservations for timed entry to Notre Dame Cathedral can be made via the official website or mobile app, up to two days before a visit. Digital tickets will be sent by email.
Notre Dame Cathedral will host special events from December 9-15, including the return of the Crown of Thorns on December 13. The 12th-century cathedral's iconic bell towers survived the blaze, and the Olympic bell is now housed in one of them. However, the cathedral's interior is open to the public, but the bell towers remain closed. Scaffolding remains on Notre Dame's exterior as work continues to restore the facades and flying buttresses.
As Notre Dame Cathedral prepares to reopen, it stands as a testament to the resilience of this historic landmark and the dedication of those who have worked tirelessly to restore it. Visitors can once again marvel at the grand organ, the stained-glass rose windows, and the cathedral's other iconic features, restored to their former glory.
- Travel guides and lifestyle publications are expected to feature the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in their news, bringing attention to the iconic Parisian landmark.
- Dining establishments near Notre Dame may see an influx of visitors, as the cathedral's reopening is likely to draw tourists to the area.
- Airline companies are offering special travel packages to Paris, encouraging customers to experience the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral, along with the city's other attractions.
- Credit card companies with travel rewards programs are incentivizing their customers to book trips to Paris, offering points for visiting the newly restored cathedral.
- The general-news networks will cover the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral extensively, discussing the history of the cathedral and the restoration process.
- Crime-and-justice news outlets might report on the increased security measures in place around Notre Dame Cathedral, ensuring the safety of visitors during the reopening.
- Sports news outlets could potentially feature stories about athletes or teams visiting the reopened Notre Dame Cathedral, connecting the cathedral's restored glory to the world of sports entertainment, and politics, as some public figures may choose to visit the iconic landmark.
