On Friday, the world will get its first glimpse of the restored Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, as President Emmanuel Macron conducts a televised tour to mark the building’s imminent re-opening.
The iconic Gothic cathedral, which was severely damaged in a fire in April 2019, has undergone extensive renovations over the past five-and-a-half years.
With the help of €700 million in funding, including contributions from the French government, the Isle of Man, and various private donors, Notre-Dame has been meticulously restored.
The renovation has been led by Jean-Louis Georgelin, a former army general, who was praised for his efficient leadership, although he tragically passed away in August 2023.
The project employed around 2,000 craftsmen, artisans, and experts from various fields.
These skilled workers were tasked with restoring Notre-Dame’s stonework, timbers, and artistic elements, which had been destroyed in the blaze.
The 13th-century cathedral’s wooden roof beams, known as the “forest,” were completely consumed by the fire, and its iconic spire collapsed, but the structure itself was saved.
During Friday’s televised tour, Macron, accompanied by his wife Brigitte and Archbishop Laurent Ulrich of Paris, will show highlights of the renovation, including the stunning restoration of the roof timbers and the church’s iconic stonework.
The interior of Notre-Dame has also been transformed with a new clarity and brightness, which insiders have described as awe-inspiring. Macron will also express gratitude to the 1,300 craftsmen and women who contributed to the project.
The official re-opening is set for 7 December, with the first Catholic Mass to take place the following day.
However, the most eagerly awaited moment for many will be the unveiling of Notre-Dame’s newly restored beauty and the continued public debate around some of the more modern touches, including potential designs for new stained-glass windows.
Despite some public debate over the direction of the renovations, including the decision to stay true to the original design rather than opting for a modern reinterpretation, the restoration has been celebrated as a remarkable success.
Many see the project as a testament to French craftsmanship and national pride.
Macron has made the re-opening of Notre-Dame a symbol of collective will and resilience, especially during a period of political uncertainty for his administration.
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