Notre-Dame may have reopened its doors, but the work to preserve this 860-year-old masterpiece is far from over. From restoring centuries-old stained glass to bringing its famous gargoyles back to life, 2026 has marked another exciting chapter in the cathedral’s restoration.
Here’s a look at what’s happening behind the scenes.
Restoring Notre-Dame’s Gargoyles and Flying Buttresses
High above the streets of Paris, stone carvers are bringing Notre-Dame’s extraordinary sculptures back to life.
At the eastern end of the cathedral, known as the chevet, many gargoyles, mythical creatures, and decorative stone carvings have been severely damaged by centuries of weathering. Craftsmen are now recreating missing details using historical documents and traditional sculpting techniques.
Meanwhile, restoration is underway on the cathedral’s iconic flying buttresses—the remarkable Gothic structures that have supported Notre-Dame for centuries. The work, carefully planned to preserve the building’s stability, will continue through 2028.
Giving Historic Stained Glass New Life
The restoration of 22 stained-glass windows in the choir galleries is also moving forward.
Following a complex removal and decontamination process completed in June 2026, the windows are now in the hands of master glassmakers for meticulous restoration. They are expected to return to Notre-Dame in 2028, preserving their intricate colors and craftsmanship for future generations.
What’s Next? Notre-Dame’s Great Rose Windows
Among the next major projects is the restoration of Notre-Dame’s magnificent west rose window, a masterpiece of medieval Gothic art that has not undergone a full restoration since the 19th century.
Work is scheduled to begin in early 2027, alongside the restoration of the north transept façade and its remarkable medieval sculptures.
These are just the first steps in an ambitious new restoration program, with approximately €130 million still needed to complete the remaining projects.
The Next Chapter Needs Our Support
The reopening of Notre-Dame was an extraordinary achievement, made possible by the generosity of supporters around the world, including countless Americans.
But restoring the cathedral after the fire was only part of the journey. Today, the mission is to protect Notre-Dame from the effects of time and ensure that this architectural treasure continues to inspire generations to come.
Help us preserve Notre-Dame’s beauty and legacy. Support the next chapter of her restoration.