(Left to right) Notre Dame on fire, August 2019 (Photo: Godefroy Troude, Creativecommons.org. via Wikimedia Commons); Notre Dame after renovation (Photo: ATout France)
By Carolyn Worthington
December 6, 2024 . . .Recently, during a visit to Paris, I strolled by Notre Dame. Having visited Notre Dame several times, it was heart-wrenching to see the 850-year-old majestic structure scorched by fire five years ago encased in scaffolding and surrounded by wooden barriers. But, judging by the crowds that gawked at the structure and the masses that sat on bleachers outside the front of the cathedral and behind the wooden barriers, something magical was in the air.
Notre Dame under construction. Photo: C.Worthington, November 9, 2024
The wooden barriers were covered with giant placards that told the story of the fateful fire on April 15, 2019, while renovation work was underway to celebrate the 850th anniversary. No one knows whether a tossed cigarette or an electrical malfunction caused the fire, but it was seen worldwide as it destroyed the spire, the nave roofs, the transept, and the roof structure.
The story of the renovation process, which was told on the wooden barriers, was inspirational and bold. “Notre Dame would reopen its doors in December!” it was proclaimed on the placards. To be honest, I was quite skeptical seeing the layers and layers of scaffolding. But, like the others in the crowd, hoping to hear the church bells ring, I was hopeful they could reopen on time.
Placing the Needle. Photo: David Bordes, courtesy Atout-France
The Miracle of “Our Lady”
Yes, on December 7th, Notre Dame (“Our Lady”) will indeed reopen its doors with a special ceremony of dignitaries, including President Emmanuel Macron, President-elect Donald Trump, King Charles, Prince William and some 50 other heads of state who will attend events over the weekend.
The first mass and ceremony of consecration of the altar will take place on December 8th. The bells will ring.
The remarkable restoration is thanks to the support of over 340,000 donors, over $890,000,000 from more than 150 countries. The cathedral will welcome up to 40,000 people daily, 2500 at a time.
Maze of scaffolding required to work on Notre Dame renovation. Photo: David Bordes, courtesy Atout-France
The renovation was no easy feat.
The oak frames and lead roofs of the nave, choir, and transept have been restored to their original state.
Scaffolding was erected almost 330 feet high to rebuild the identical spire built by Viollet-le-Duc in 1859. The wooden framework of the building was made from 300—to 400-year-old trees. Master carpenters, foresters, architects, and researchers teamed up to restore the structure to its original state. Some craftsmen drew upon ancestral skills and used modern techniques to design, shape, and assemble the framework.
For example, for two years, stonemasons worked on reinforcing the vaults and cleaning out the gargoyles clogged with lead. The stonemasons had to be trained in “rope work” as they were suspended to repair the vaults.
The restoration work is expected to continue for at least three years, but the initial deadline has been met.
Notre Dame interior. Photo: Arnaud-Sabatier, courtesy of Atout France
Although the fire was tragic, the spirit that rebuilding the grand cathedral drew from the public, the renovators and craftsmen, and now world leaders is unmatched and almost heavenly.
Admission to the Cathedral is free. Worshipers wishing to attend mass do not need reservations, but they are subject to the number of places available. Reservations are recommended to reduce wait time.
For further information:
Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris – Accueil
Notre-Dame de Paris – official website