Between October 2024 and January 2025, significant progress has been made in the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris, culminating in its reopening on December 7, 2024. Here are the key developments during this period
October 2024
In early October, the first wooden supports, installed after the 2019 fire to strengthen the flying buttresses and secure the cathedral, were removed from the south facade of the nave. This marked a significant milestone in the restoration process, indicating the improved stability of the structure.
A video released in October provided a bird’s-eye view of the construction site, highlighting the advancements in roofing work and the overall restoration efforts as the reopening date approached.
November 2024
In November, work commenced in the small square outside Notre-Dame. Craftsmen began laying new paving using Comblanchien limestone, a high-quality stone from Burgundy known for its durability and aesthetic appeal. This project is part of a broader redevelopment plan for the cathedral’s surroundings, undertaken by the public institution on behalf of the City of Paris.
Ahead of the reopening the restoration team detailed the state-of-the-art fire defense system which ensures optimal safety against fire risks. This comprehensive system includes both passive and active defenses:
- Surveillance: Thermal cameras and an air suction analysis device operate continuously to detect any signs of fire. If a potential fire is detected by at least two sensors, the misting system is automatically activated.
- Misting System: Fine water droplets are diffused into the wooden framework, significantly reducing temperature and smothering nascent fires.
- Thickened Sheathing: An additional 15 millimeters of sheathing has been added to the wooden boards separating the trusses from the lead roofing, providing an extra 15 minutes of fire resistance to delay the spread of fire to the roofing.
- Fire-Resistant Trusses: These structures separate the spire from the choir frames and the nave, dividing the space into three sections to prevent or delay the spread of fire between them. They also house technical rooms containing detection and misting devices.
- Upgraded Firefighting Infrastructure: The entire network of dry risers has been redesigned to facilitate firefighter intervention, with the water flow capacity increased threefold to up to 600 cubic meters per hour.
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Unveiling of the Restored Interior: On November 29, French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron visited the cathedral to view its newly renovated interior. The restoration included renewing stained-glass windows, cleaning white stones, and installing new wooden beams made from oak trees sourced across France. This preview showcased the meticulous efforts to honor the cathedral’s original design while incorporating necessary restorations.
December 2024
The restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral was celebrated through a series of momentous events this December, marking its triumphant return after the devastating 2019 fire. Each ceremony honored different groups who made this remarkable achievement possible.
The celebrations began on December 5, 2024, with a special dinner honoring the craftsmen and masons whose skilled hands brought the cathedral back to life. These dedicated artisans, who worked tirelessly for five years, were recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to preserving traditional building techniques.
On December 6, the iconic La Tour d’Argent restaurant in Paris hosted an intimate dinner gathering for the most dedicated supporters and generous donors of Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris. Against the backdrop of the beautifully restored cathedral, guests enjoyed an exceptional dinner accompanied by prestigious wines from Château Margaux. The evening, graciously hosted by Anne Dias Griffin, Ken Griffin, and Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis, provided a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of restoration.
The following day, December 7, marked a historic milestone as President Emmanuel Macron and presidents from 40 nations gathered for the official reopening ceremony. The ceremony was presided over by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich, who symbolically restored life to the historic monument by knocking three times on the cathedral doors with a specially crafted crosier. This extraordinary assembly demonstrated the cathedral’s significance not just as a French monument, but as a symbol of global cultural heritage and international cooperation. The event featured choral performances, the resumption of the cathedral’s organ, and striking illuminations.
On December 8, Notre-Dame celebrated its spiritual rebirth with its first Mass since the fire. The cathedral was filled with archbishops from across France and beyond, their presence marking the restoration of Notre-Dame not only as an architectural masterpiece but as a living house of worship. Archbishop Ulrich consecrated the new high altar. This deeply moving service symbolized the cathedral’s return to its primary purpose as a place of prayer and communion.
The celebrations continued on December 11 with a special Mass dedicated to the thousands of donors whose generosity made the restoration possible. This service recognized the global community that came together to save this architectural masterpiece.
The reopening has captured worldwide attention, with major news outlets providing extensive coverage. CBS’s “60 Minutes” offered an in-depth documentary, while CNN featured an interview with Michel Picaud. The Wall Street Journal and CBC also provided comprehensive coverage of this historic restoration.
As shared by Michel Picaud, President of Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, 2025 will usher in the next phase of restoration. The focus will shift to the chevet, sacristy, and presbytery – essential elements that require the same dedication and expertise that brought the cathedral this far. These celebrations weren’t just about marking the completion of a restoration; they represented the triumph of international cooperation and the power of collective dedication to preserving our shared cultural heritage.
