Notre Dame reopens after 5 year restoration following 2019 fire

Paris: France’s iconic Notre Dame Cathedral has reopened its doors for the first time since a devastating fire nearly destroyed the 861-year-old landmark in 2019. This significant event marks a triumph for French President Emmanuel Macron, who advocated for the ambitious five-year restoration timeline, an achievement that took nearly two centuries to complete.

On Saturday evening, the cathedral will welcome world leaders, dignitaries, and worshippers for a momentous gathering under its famed stained-glass windows. The event has been described as a rare instance of unity, offering a reprieve from global divisions and conflicts. Among the notable attendees are U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, Britain’s Prince William, and President-elect Donald Trump, along with nearly 50 heads of state and government and 1,500 guests. Archbishop Laurent Ulrich will lead the ceremonies inside Notre Dame, which have been moved indoors due to strong winds forecast for the evening.

The reopening is highlighted by a symbolic act where Ulrich will tap the cathedral’s grand wooden doors three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the fire, declaring Notre Dame open for worship once more. The service will include psalms, prayers, and hymns, as the long-silent 8,000-pipe organ is reawakened. The organ has been meticulously restored and cleaned of toxic lead dust, with four organists slated to perform an improvised interplay of melodies.

Later that evening, a star-studded concert will take place within the cathedral, celebrating Notre Dame’s restoration and honoring those who worked on the project. Pianist Lang Lang, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, and soprano Pretty Yende are among the prominent performers. The next day, Ulrich will preside over the inaugural Mass, consecrating a new altar designed by contemporary artist Guillaume Bardet to replace the one destroyed in the blaze. The Mass will be attended by nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad and priests from all 113 parishes in the Paris diocese.

Notre Dame’s reopening comes at a time when the world faces widespread unrest, with wars ongoing in Ukraine and the Middle East. The rector, Rev. Olivier Ribadeau Dumas, underlined the cathedral’s deep significance, stating it is “more than just a French monument” and a beloved part of the world’s cultural heritage. He described it as “a magnificent symbol of unity” and “a sign of hope,” highlighting that what once seemed impossible has now become reality.

Dignitaries attending the event include European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, emphasizing the cathedral’s importance as a symbol of shared heritage and peace.

The event holds particular meaning for Macron, who has faced political turmoil following the resignation of Prime Minister Michel Barnier and a historic no-confidence vote that led to the government’s collapse. This crisis has exacerbated calls for Macron to resign, but he remains determined to see out his term, which ends in 2027. The reopening of Notre Dame, which Macron has called “a jolt of hope,” serves as a rare moment of positive attention amid his administration’s struggles. The restoration, completed five years after the fire, stands as a testament to his commitment to ambitious goals.

Tight security measures have been put in place for the weekend, mirroring those used during the Paris Olympics earlier this year. The Île de la Cité, home to Notre Dame, is closed to tourists and non-residents, allowing only invitees and residents on the island. Public viewing areas along the Seine’s southern bank will accommodate 40,000 spectators, who will be able to watch the celebrations on large screens.

For many, Notre Dame’s rebirth represents not just a French achievement but a global one. The cathedral is expected to draw 15 million visitors annually, an increase from the 12 million it welcomed before the fire. Following the 2019 blaze, nearly $1 billion in donations flooded in from around the world, underscoring Notre Dame’s universal appeal.

With PTI inputs