Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens virtually through VR exhibition

Nearly three years after the devastating fire of April 15, 2019, which severely damaged the roof and spire of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, a virtual reality exhibition titled 'Eternelle Notre-Dame' has opened at the Espace Grande Arche in La Défense. The immersive experience allows visitors to explore the cathedral's history from its medieval construction to the present day using VR headsets. The digital recreation brings the monument back to life, offering insights into secrets and historical figures. Concurrently, a free 500-square-meter space dedicated to the restoration site features a short film and photographs documenting the ongoing repairs. The exhibition runs until December 21, after which it will tour iconic Parisian locations such as the Conciergerie and the Notre-Dame forecourt, followed by other European cities yet to be announced. The physical restoration of the cathedral is expected to be completed by spring 2024.