A few minutes later than the scheduled time, the doors of the cathedral opened this Friday. Our Lady for the first time, after five years of fire which razed a large part of the building, to welcome its first guests: Emmanuel Macron y Brigitte Macron.
This Friday, the president and his wife visited the restored cathedral for the first time, just eight days after its inauguration. official opening. “This reopening is a shock of esperanza“said the president during his visit, which was broadcast live on French public television under great expectation.
A visit divided into 10 stages, in which the president was accompanied by a large entourage of professionals in charge of the restoration work, toured every corner of the cathedral; the nave, the Holy Chapel of Marcel or a short tour in which Macron could enjoy the small details, such as the restored showcases or the archives of this historic remodeling.
1,300 people were also invited to this almost state visit, of the 2,000 who have contributed to the work of restorationincluding the Belgian architect and landscape designer Berry Smetsthe designer in charge of the liturgy furniture, Guillaume Bardetthe carpenter, Jean-Luis Bidetor the architect in charge of the restoration of historical monuments, Pascal Prunet. For all of them, who were the first to enter, the president wanted to have a few words: “This visit is the opportunity to thank in particular the craftsmen of wood, metal and stone, the bell ringers and art restorers, to the gilders and sculptors, to the carpenters, architects and archaeologists, engineers and planners of logistical and administrative functions”. A gratitude that did not end there: “It is an immense emotion for all of us to find ourselves here, in our cathedral, where, five years ago, the nave housed a veritable field of ruins. There are 2,000 women and men who spent their days and nights in this work. You made this challenge a reality.”
It has been almost five years since the Notre Dame Cathedral burned, destroying an important part of its heritage. Many unknowns still surround this fire, but after years of remodeling and a great debate about what this work should be like, the French will finally be able to visit their lady on December 8, when it officially opens to the public.
An inauguration that will last several days and in which tribute will be paid with various liturgies to the workers and donors, and which will also be attended by numerous leaders and heads of state.
700 million euros in donations
This restoration has occurred in a record time after the significant damage left by the fire on April 15, 2019, and it has been thanks to the 700 million euros obtained through private donations. Among the donors is Bernard Arnaultthe richest man in the world and owner of the LVMH group.
During the years of restoration, important debates also arose in which there was no shortage of controversy. The authorities decided to put out to competition the design of the dome and arrow of the cathedral, which were devastated by the fire. The projects presented generated great controversy; some too modern, others criticized for moving away from style Gothic of the building. Finally, the authorities did not take any risks and opted to try to maintain the original design.
Not only the design, the proposal of the Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, to start charging admission generated a wave of criticism. Finally, the project of a paying Notre Dame has remained an idea, although it is not ruled out that in the future visitors will have to pay an amount to enter the cathedral, as is already done in the Sagrada Familia or the Duomo of Milan.
Notre Dame has become beautiful for the occasion. Not only has the part damaged by the flames been restored, but it has also been used to clean the entire area, because on December 8, Paris and its tourists will be able to once again enjoy one of the most important architectural works in France, but also the world.
