During the event, President Macron, along with First Lady Brigitte and Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, will express gratitude to the 1,300 artisans who played a vital role in the €700 million renovation. Attendees have hinted that the cathedral's reinvigorated interiors will be a sight to behold, boasting a new brightness and clarity that starkly contrast the previous gloom.
The fire, which engulfed Notre-Dame on April 15, 2019, shocked viewers worldwide as they witnessed flames consuming the roof and the historic spire collapsing. While much of the cathedral was saved, the spire and wooden roof beams—referred to as the “forest”—were lost, leading to significant damage from both fire and water from firefighting efforts.
Luckily, the cathedral’s stained-glass windows, significant artworks, and the Crown of Thorns, a revered relic, survived the inferno. Early decisions on restoration emphasized an accurate revival of the medieval and 19th-century alterations made by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Despite some debates regarding modernizations, the renovation chiefly honors the original designs.
The project, overseen by the late General Jean-Louis Georgelin, mobilized around 2,000 tradespeople, invigorating traditional craftsmanship in France. As the project nears completion, discussions loom over the proposed modern design for stained glass in side chapels—an ongoing source of contention within the arts community.
President Macron’s involvement in the renovation has been pivotal; as the reopening approaches, it serves not only as a triumph in rebuilding but as a morale booster for a leader facing political challenges. This signature revival of Notre-Dame reflects a collective passion and resilience that resonates deeply with the French spirit.
The fire, which engulfed Notre-Dame on April 15, 2019, shocked viewers worldwide as they witnessed flames consuming the roof and the historic spire collapsing. While much of the cathedral was saved, the spire and wooden roof beams—referred to as the “forest”—were lost, leading to significant damage from both fire and water from firefighting efforts.
Luckily, the cathedral’s stained-glass windows, significant artworks, and the Crown of Thorns, a revered relic, survived the inferno. Early decisions on restoration emphasized an accurate revival of the medieval and 19th-century alterations made by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. Despite some debates regarding modernizations, the renovation chiefly honors the original designs.
The project, overseen by the late General Jean-Louis Georgelin, mobilized around 2,000 tradespeople, invigorating traditional craftsmanship in France. As the project nears completion, discussions loom over the proposed modern design for stained glass in side chapels—an ongoing source of contention within the arts community.
President Macron’s involvement in the renovation has been pivotal; as the reopening approaches, it serves not only as a triumph in rebuilding but as a morale booster for a leader facing political challenges. This signature revival of Notre-Dame reflects a collective passion and resilience that resonates deeply with the French spirit.
