Friday November 29, 2024 marks a significant step in the rebirth of the cathedral after the devastating fire of 2019. Emmanuel Macron made a final symbolic visit to the site, saluting the work accomplished by the craftsmen and architects. The images were broadcast live on television. The President repeatedly insisted on the commitment to reconstruction in 5 years despite the numerous criticisms which followed his announcement after the fire.
The first images of the interior of the cathedral reveal the restored blondness of the elevations, served by generous lighting. They also show the tremendous work of the teams who restored the vault gutted by the fall of the spire. Saturday November 30 was dedicated to protocol visits offering an overview of the completed renovations.
Altar project for Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral, created by Guillaume Bardet
© Guillaume Bardet
During the current week, the teams are working on the installation of liturgical furniture, in particular the installation of chairs and the preparation of the altar, resulting from orders made to artists (Guillaume Bardet) and craftsmen. The final adjustments will be made to the organ (inaugurated in 1868), spared from the fire which had been dismantled piece by piece to be cleaned. Dress rehearsals for religious ceremonies and cultural events are also scheduled to ensure the smooth running of upcoming celebrations.
Next weekend will be the highlight with several major events. The reopening service, chaired by the Archbishop of Paris, will take place late in the afternoon on December 7 in the presence of the President of the Republic and numerous officials. Emmanuel Macron is expected to give a speech in front of the cathedral. This ceremony will be followed by a concert organized by France Télévision, bringing together renowned artists such as Clara Luciani, Garou, Vianney, pianist Lang Lang, broadcast on Mondovision. Sunday December 8, the day of the Immaculate Conception, a first mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. by the Archbishop of Paris, Mgr Laurent Ulrich in the presence of 150 French and foreign bishops. The mass of consecration of the altar marks the beginning of an octave, that is to say eight days before the reopening.
The Grand Organ of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral.
It should be noted that Pope Francis will not be present during these ceremonies, officially for scheduling reasons. He will visit Corsica on December 15.
From Monday December 16, the cathedral will return to its daily rhythm, open from 7:45 a.m. to 7 p.m. free of charge, but online reservations will be set up on Tuesday December 3 in order to regulate the expected strong flow of visitors. Time slots can be reserved the day before or the same day via a dedicated platform. Visitors without reservations will also be able to access the building, but significant waiting times are expected, especially during the first months following reopening. Groups will have to wait until June 2025 to organize collective visits. 14 million visitors are expected annually, and undoubtedly many more in 2025.
