Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris expected to reopen its doors

Five years after the devastating fire, the iconic Parisian landmark is scheduled for a comeback.

Paris's famed Notre Dame cathedral is anticipated to welcome the public again by 2024 following a devastating fire that engulfed the historic landmark. Plans are in place to reopen the cathedral for visitors and Catholic congregatins, marking a significant milestone less than six years after the tragic blaze that ravaged its roof.

President Emmanuel Macron had set a reopening deadline of December 8, 2024, soon after the fire, and the restoration efforts are currently on track to meet this target. However, despite progress, it's unlikely to be fully ready for the Paris Olympics slated for the summer of 2024.

General Georgelin, overseeing the reconstruction, expressed determination in meeting the 2024 deadline, affirming ongoing efforts and progress in the restoration project. Culture Minister Abdul-Malak clarified that while the cathedral will reopen to the public, renovation work will persist into 2025.

The extensive restoration of Notre Dame commenced in 2022 after preparatory stabilization work spanning more than two years. Authorities opted to reconstruct the 12th-century Gothic masterpiece to its original form, including the revival of the 96-meter spire by architect Eugene Viollet-le-Duc, which collapsed during the fire.

The re-emergence of the cathedral's iconic spire above the monument is seen as a powerful symbol of Notre Dame's revival, signalling progress in its restoration efforts. Around 1,000 workers across France are dedicated daily to Notre Dame's restoration, focusing on various aspects such as the framework, painting, stones, vault, organ, and stained glass.

An exhibition named 'Notre-Dame de Paris: at the heart of the construction site' has also been opened to the public. Located in an underground facility in front of the cathedral, the exhibit honours the artisans involved in the reconstruction, displaying ongoing restoration work and salvaged artworks from the fire.

Simultaneously, the Louvre is hosting an exhibition titled 'Notre-Dame Cathedral: From Its Origins to Viollet-le-Duc' until January 29, 2024, presenting a condensed history of the cathedral's treasury through over 120 exhibited works.

 

Source: euronews.com