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Construction Resumes
On June 8, construction resumed on Notre-Dame Cathedral after a three-month pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The work is focused on continuing to remove the burned scaffolding that had surrounded the spire. In 2019, the spire was undergoing restoration and was destroyed during the fire on April 15. This cleanup effort should last until September but is subject to change as it is a delicate process to remove 30,000 tubes weighing 300 tons.
At the end of June, Michel Picaud, President of Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris was able to go inside Notre-Dame Cathedral for the first time in over a year.
View these exclusive photos of the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral
Official Decision About the Spire
On July 9, the chief architects of Historical Monuments presented restoration plans for Notre-Dame Cathedral to the National Commission for Heritage and Architecture (CNPA), the advisory council that handles important restoration projects in France.
The study presented plans to respect the previously existing structure of the cathedral and to restore the monument to its last complete, coherent and known state.
This includes rebuilding a spire identical to the one designed in the 19th Century by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, returning the cathedral’s appearance to how it existed before the fire of April 15, 2019. Rebuilding efforts will also use original materials, like wood for the roofing. The report states that these restoration measures will ensure the authenticity, harmony and coherence of this masterpiece of Gothic architecture.
CNPA unanimously approved the architects’ recommendations that Notre-Dame Cathedral be restored to its prior state. The French President Emmanuel Macron also shared his approval for this decision.
Upcoming Projects & Latest updates
Work will also begin on the Great Organ and the Choir Organ. The pipes from the Great Organ will be removed and sent for expert restoration. The famous organ – the largest in France – miraculously emerged from the fire with minor damages. In comparison, the Choir Organ suffered from major water damage and will need to be entirely rebuilt. Only the metal pipes could be salvaged. These efforts will take place in the fall. Stay up to date with Notre Dame Rebuild Progress!
Notre-Dame de Paris Rebuilding Updates: January & February 2021
Since the new year, work on Notre-Dame de Paris is steadily progressing as we continue securing the structure of Notre-Dame Cathedral. We anticipate this work will be finished in...
Notre-Dame Cathedral’s Choir Statues
If you’ve ever visited Notre-Dame Cathedral, you must have noticed the many statues that adorn its interior. Looking specifically at the choir – the area of the cathedral designed...
Choir sings in Notre-Dame for first time since 2019 fire
In December 2020, a choir – wearing hard hats – performed inside Notre-Dame Cathedral to celebrate the Christmas holiday. It was the first time a choir has performed in...