Topline
The restored interiors of Paris’ historic Notre Dame Cathedral were publicly unveiled for the first time on Friday in a special event attended by French President Emmanuel Macron, more than five-and-half years after the UNESCO World Heritage site was severely damaged in a fire.
The restored altar designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet in the heart of … [+]
Key Facts
Visuals of the restored interiors were broadcast live while the French President and his wife Brigitte Macron were given a detailed tour of the building.
Work to restore the cathedral’s interiors faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and workers having to operate cautiously to avoid objects falling on their heads—France’s chief architect of national monuments, Philippe Villeneuve, told Macron.
Macron and the first lady were shown the restored roof, the restored church organ and the rebuilt spire—which collapsed during the fire.
Speaking after the tour, Macron said the site visit was an opportunity for him to thank the workers, architects, archaeologists, engineers and planners who worked on the restoration.
The French leader also thanked donors from around the world who helped fund the rebuilding of the Notre-Dame and said “We didn’t want a single cent of donations to go to waste.”
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Which Billionaires Helped Fund The Restoration?
According to AFP, the total cost of the restoration was around $738.5 million (€700 million), some of which was raised by large donations from French billionaires. Bernard Arnault, the founder and CEO of luxury goods brand LVMH, donated $215 million while François Pinault, the founder of luxury goods group Kering, donated around $105 million. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, one of the richest women in the world, donated $226 million along with her family and company L’Oreal.
What To Watch For
The cathedral will officially reopen on December 7 and the new altar will be consecrated a day later followed by a Sunday Mass. Macron is scheduled to speak at the reopening ceremony and is expected to attend the consecration as well.
This photograph shows the choir stalls of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to re-open on December 7.
The South Rose window of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral in Paris.
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife Brigitte Macron were given a tour of the restored … [+]
The Crown of thorns inside the reliquary of the Crown of Thorns designed by French Artist Sylvain … [+]
French President Emmanuel Macron his wife Brigitte Macron inspect the restored spire.
The baptistery designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet is seen at Notre-Dame.
Macron thanked the workers of the reconstruction in a speech.
Further Reading
Listen: Notre Dame Bells Are Ringing For First Time Since 2019 Fire (Forbes)
