• The monumental reconstruction of Notre-Dame, following the devastating fire in 2019, was made possible through the generosity of global supporters.
• From 2019 to 2024, 2,000 people and 250 companies worked on Notre-Dame’s restoration, using 2,000 oak trees for the roof and 1,000 cubic meters of stone to repair the vaults and walls.
• Notre-Dame’s fire protection system has been overhauled with ‘passive’ and ‘active’ defenses, including thermal cameras and continuous air aspiration to prevent and slow fires. After five years of extensive restoration, the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened its doors to the public on December 7 and 8.
The monumental reconstruction, following the devastating fire in 2019, was made possible through the generosity of global supporters, with €845 million raised from 150 countries. This historic reopening marks a triumphant moment in preserving one of the world’s most beloved landmarks.
Ceremony and celebrations
On December 7, French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a speech on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral, followed by a liturgical ceremony.
In his speech, President Macron highlighted the monumental, once-in-a-century restoration of Notre-Dame, achieved through the collaboration of France’s top experts over five years.
He thanked the craftsmen, builders, and specialists who made the project possible, acknowledging their dedication and skill.
Macron also paid tribute to General Jean-Louis Georgelin, who led the effort, and expressed gratitude to the sponsors whose support made the restoration on time. The cathedral’s restored beauty, now more vibrant than ever, will soon be revealed to the public, marking the completion of a historic and collective achievement.
The historic reopening of the cathedral will be officially marked around 9 p.m. To commemorate the occasion, a special concert, organized by France Télévisions and broadcast by Radio France, will take place shortly after the ceremony.
On December 8, the cathedral will hold its first public mass, kicking off a week of special access. From December 8 to 14, Notre-Dame will be open to the public until 10 p.m. before returning to normal opening hours on December 16.
Notre-Dame restoration
Between 2019 and 2024, 2,000 people worked tirelessly on the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, with 250 companies contributing to the securement and rebuilding efforts. The restoration included the use of 2,000 oak trees to reconstruct the roof framework and 1,000 cubic meters of stone to restore the damaged vaults and walls.
In addition to the cathedral’s restoration, the redevelopment of its surrounding area embraces an environmentally friendly approach. The existing parking structure has been repurposed to create a new visitor reception area, and a space for purified rainwater will be installed, featuring a thin sheet of water to help lower the surface temperature.
Major green space additions
The renovation of Notre-Dame and its surrounding areas is scheduled to be completed by 2030, according to the provisional timeline. Following an initial phase to develop the small square in front of the cathedral and secure planning permission, work will begin in late 2025 on the square and the area beneath it, which will be transformed into a visitors’ center.
This first phase, expected to last about two years, will be followed by further work on Square Jean XXIII and Promenade Maurice Carême, with the entire project slated for completion by 2030.
The renovation also includes significant green space improvements, with 1,800 m² of new greenery to be created, increasing the area by 10%. In addition, 160 new trees will be planted as part of the revitalization.
Enhanced fire protection system
Notre-Dame Cathedral’s fire protection system has been completely revamped, combining both “passive” and “active” defenses to prevent and slow the spread of fire. The system includes thermal cameras, continuous air aspiration, and analysis devices. If a fire is detected, a high-pressure misting system is triggered, releasing fine water droplets to lower the temperature and smother any flames.
Other improvements include thicker battens for added fire resistance, fire–stop trusses to contain flames, and a reworked network of dry standpipes, tripling water flow to 600 m³ per hour. These upgrades ensure optimal fire protection for the historic structure.
Notre-Dame’s ownership
Under the 1905 Act on the separation of Church and State, the French government owns 87 cathedrals, including Notre-Dame, which are used for Catholic services.
The Archbishop’s throne, or “cathedra,” was returned to its original location at the crossing altar in 2024, marking the cathedral’s ongoing religious significance. The great vault at the crossing, one of the tallest in Gothic architecture, stands nearly 35 meters high.
Five years after the fire and the devastating scenes that shocked the world, Notre-Dame will be revealed like never before in its history. The restored cathedral will offer an incredible and awe-inspiring sight, showcasing its timeless beauty and resilience in a way that has never been seen before.
