Five years of restoration reveal breathtaking transformation
After more than five years of meticulous restoration following the devastating fire of 2019, Notre Dame Cathedral showcased its reconstructed interior on Friday, revealing vibrant stained glass windows, creamy limestone walls, and soaring ceilings restored to their former glory.
A moment of wonder for French President Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron, accompanied by his wife, Brigitte, and the archbishop of Paris, entered the cathedral’s intricately carved front doors, gazing up at the newly rebuilt ceilings and marveling at the meticulous craftsmanship that erased the scars of the fire.
New and old techniques breathe life into historic structure
The restoration employed both modern and medieval techniques. Vacuum cleaners removed toxic dust from the melted lead roof, while latex and cleaning gels restored the stonework’s original brightness. Carpenters, using hand axes like their medieval predecessors, rebuilt the dense oak framework nicknamed “the forest.”
A symbol of resilience and hope for France
The reopening of the cathedral, set for December 8, marks a turning point in the monument’s history. Macron, addressing hundreds of workers inside the cathedral, called the restoration the “building site of the century” and praised their efforts for turning a national wound into a symbol of hope.
A glimpse of Notre Dame’s future
As the 12th-century Gothic masterpiece prepares to welcome the public, its restored interiors and meticulously cleaned surfaces promise an awe-inspiring experience, ensuring that Notre Dame will remain a cherished symbol for generations to come.
