PARIS — The renowned Notre Dame Cathedral in France is set to reopen its doors on Saturday, marking the first public access since a catastrophic fire nearly destroyed the historic structure in 2019. This much-anticipated reopening comes as a significant achievement, completed in just five years, which is remarkable considering the cathedral took almost two centuries to construct. The occasion is seen as a personal victory for French President Emmanuel Macron, who advocated for this ambitious restoration timeline, providing him a momentary reprieve from ongoing political challenges at home.
The evening event will gather numerous world leaders, dignitaries, and faith community members under the cathedral’s brilliant stained glass. Among the notable attendees are First Lady Jill Biden, Prince William of Britain, and President-elect Donald Trump, along with nearly 50 other heads of state and government—all totaling around 1,500 guests. These individuals will convene to celebrate this momentous occasion, presided over by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich.
Due to forecasted strong winds in Paris, the opening ceremony will now take place entirely inside Notre Dame, rather than commencing from the cathedral’s forecourt as originally intended. This adjustment was announced by both the French presidential palace and the Paris diocese the day prior to the event.
Notre Dame’s rector, Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, has expressed that the cathedral represents much more than a mere French landmark; it is a cherished piece of global cultural heritage. He emphasizes that it embodies “a magnificent symbol of unity” and serves as “a sign of hope,” illustrating that what once seemed unattainable has now been accomplished.
The day’s agenda will merge solemn religious observances with elements of cultural splendor, beginning with Ulrich symbolically reopening the cathedral’s grand wooden doors. He will tap them three times with a staff made from charred wood salvaged from the roof damaged in the fire, officially reinstating Notre Dame for worship.
As part of the ceremony, the cathedral will resonate with psalms, prayers, and hymns, while the grand organ—silenced since the fire—will be rejuvenated. This magnificent 8,000-pipe instrument, meticulously restored and cleaned from toxic lead dust, will respond to the archbishop’s call with a captivating performance led by four organists who will create an improvisational display of melodies.
Later in the evening, an illustrious concert is scheduled to take place within the cathedral, celebrating its revival and honoring the individuals who dedicated their efforts to its restoration. Renowned artists, including pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende, are slated to perform at this star-studded event, conveying an overarching message of harmony.
The following day, the archbishop will lead a special inaugural Mass and consecrate a new altar designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet, replacing the one lost during the fire. Nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad, along with representatives from all 113 parishes in the Paris diocese, will attend this Mass.
The reopening of Notre Dame comes at a challenging time globally, with conflicts ongoing in regions such as Ukraine and the Middle East. The rector notes that the cathedral embodies the embrace of the Virgin Mary, serving as a “magnificent symbol of unity” and encapsulating messages of hope.
Among other notable dignitaries attending the reopening are European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, reflecting the cathedral’s importance as a monument of shared heritage and peace.
This celebration is likely to provide a much-needed morale boost to President Macron, especially following his prime minister’s resignation that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape. Macron has characterized the reopening of Notre Dame as “a jolt of hope,” hoping that the event might shift focus from his critics and demonstrate France’s unity and resilience. The ambitious restoration timeline, which was announced just one day after the catastrophic fire, had initially appeared overly optimistic but stands as a testament to Macron’s determination.
The president’s administration is currently facing a significant crisis following a no-confidence vote that saw Prime Minister Michel Barnier ousted after a brief three-month term—the shortest in the Fifth Republic’s history. This political turmoil follows months of stagnation after snap elections, with calls for Macron to resign growing louder as his approval ratings plummet. Nevertheless, he has vowed to stay in office until the end of his term in 2027 and intends to appoint a new prime minister in the coming days.
The contrast between the celebratory rebirth of Notre Dame and France’s ongoing economic troubles and social unrest is striking. Security will be a top priority over the weekend, echoing the measures implemented during this year’s Paris Olympics. The Île de la Cité, which houses Notre Dame, will be off-limits to the general public, restricting access to residents and invited guests only. Public viewing zones along the southern bank of the Seine will accommodate up to 40,000 spectators, allowing them to partake in the celebration via large screens.
The reopening ceremony will feature Ulrich opening the cathedral doors, followed by a liturgical service and the reawakening of the grand organ, all culminating in a celebratory concert that highlights Notre Dame’s profound cultural and spiritual importance. As the cathedral resumes its role, it is estimated that it will welcome 15 million visitors each year—an increase from the 12 million recorded prior to the devastating fire. Following the disaster, nearly a billion dollars in donations poured in globally, underscoring Notre Dame’s universal significance.
