Notre-Dame Cathedral Reopens in Paris After Five-Year Restoration

The reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is scheduled for December 7-8, 2024, almost five years after a devastating fire on April 15, 2019, which obliterated its spire and wooden roof. The restoration, costing €700 million, employed over 2,000 artisans and utilized oak sourced from French forests. The newly constructed spire is adorned with a copper rooster, while the roof incorporates contemporary safety features. Remarkable finds, such as 13th-century decorations, were uncovered during the restoration. The opening ceremony will take place on December 7 at 6 PM, followed by the first mass on December 8, attended by around 50 heads of state, including U.S. President Donald Trump. Access will be free but limited to 2,500 visitors at a time, with individual visits commencing immediately; online ticket sales began on December 3, 2024. Notable contributors to the project include François Pinault and Bernard Arnault.