PARIS — It has been over five years since the catastrophic fire that devastated Notre Dame Cathedral, leading to nearly $1 billion in pledged donations shortly afterward. Restoration leader Philippe Jost has announced that there remains €140 million (approximately $148 million) from these donations as the cathedral gears up for its reopening next month.
This surplus, accumulated from contributions by both wealthy benefactors and numerous smaller donors, will be utilized for essential future preservation efforts on the historic 861-year-old Gothic structure. Jost expressed gratitude for the generosity displayed after the fire, highlighting the careful management of the restoration funds handled by individuals he deemed “attentive and professional,” during a recent news conference in Paris.
He further explained that these resources will be allocated “in agreement with the patrons and donors to execute necessary work campaigns,” addressing the ongoing needs for conservation and structural stability at Notre Dame.
In answering a question posed to him, Jost confirmed that the billionaires who committed significant sums after the disaster have “fully fulfilled their financial commitments” and have “honored their pledges made on the night of the fire or in the following hours.” This assurance was not always guaranteed, especially in the immediate aftermath of the blaze on April 15, 2019, when nearly $1 billion was promised by some of the wealthiest individuals in France.
Among those donors, Bernard Arnault, CEO of the luxury conglomerate LVMH, pledged €200 million, a commitment matched by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation representing the L’Oréal family. Other notable pledges included €100 million from François Pinault, founder of Kering, and Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of Total.
However, months following the fire revealed that these billionaire donations were initially stalled, as the donors awaited detailed restoration plans and discussions regarding the specific application of their contributions. Frustration grew early in the process, as significant initial cleanup and consolidation efforts — including the removal of hazardous lead dust and necessary structural reinforcements — had to rely on smaller donations, particularly those raised by charitable foundations dedicated to Notre Dame in both France and the United States.
The stunning pledges also ignited an international conversation, with critics questioning the motivations of the donors, suggesting that many may have been more interested in leaving a legacy rather than a genuine dedication to preserving France’s cultural heritage.
As preparations for the cathedral’s reopening on December 8 continue, last week marked a significant occasion for the city of Paris. In a stirring lead-up to Notre Dame’s revival, the northern belfry—which had been partially damaged during the fire—sounded its eight newly restored bells for the first time since 2019, their tones echoing across the city.