On July 23, 2025, an emotionally charged event took place in Paris: the first statue of the apostles and evangelists that once adorned the iconic spire of Notre-Dame was returned to its place, more than 50 meters above the ground. This moment marked a highly symbolic step in the rebirth of the cathedral, which was devastated by fire on April 15, 2019. Until end of July all statues will have been returned to their place on the spire.
Restoration Made Possible by Philanthropy The restoration of the statues was made possible thanks in large part to the generous support of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris foundation — a key player in international patronage efforts to safeguard the cathedral. This American foundation, involved even before the fire, helped fund the meticulous restoration work on these historic figures, with deep respect for their authenticity. Over the course of five years, the statues were restored in the workshops of SOCRA, located in Périgueux. Cleaned, reinforced, and in some cases partially recast, they were returned to their original brilliance by highly skilled artisans.
The Guardians of the Spire Return The statues are now once again in place on the newly rebuilt spire, reconstructed to be identical to Viollet-le-Duc’s original design. Among them, Saint Thomas — believed to be a self-portrait of Viollet-le-Duc — resumes his place, gazing toward the spire in a touching nod to its creator. Their reinstallation is more than just a technical feat; it is a powerful moment in a collective reconstruction effort, both cultural and emotional.
A Symbol of Hope The return of the statues marks one of the most iconic milestones in the massive reconstruction project of Notre-Dame. It resonates as a promise: the promise of renewal, the faithful transmission of 19th-century architectural genius, and the enduring bond between generations. More than mere ornaments, these copper figures are witnesses to a turbulent history — silent guardians of a cathedral that, once again, is rising from its ashes — thanks to the generosity and dedication of thousands of patrons from around the world.
