French President Emmanuel Macron commended the over 1,000 craftspeople who contributed to the restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral, calling it “the project of the century.” The historic cathedral, a beloved Parisian landmark, is set to reopen next week, over five years after a devastating fire in April 2019 ravaged its structure.
Speaking at a ceremony on Friday, Macron addressed an audience of artisans, firefighters, donors, and other contributors, including members of the renowned Compagnons du Devoir, an elite guild of France’s top artisans. “The burning of Notre-Dame was a national wound, and you were its remedy,” Macron stated. His gratitude culminated in an enthusiastic round of applause from the attendees.
The meticulous reconstruction restored the cathedral’s iconic spire, rib vaulting, flying buttresses, stained-glass windows, and ornate gargoyles. The building now gleams with a renewed brilliance, its white stone and gold accents more vibrant than before.
The restoration is a stark contrast to the catastrophic scenes of April 15, 2019, when the cathedral’s roof and spire collapsed in a massive blaze that nearly consumed its bell towers. Macron toured the renewed nave alongside his wife Brigitte, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, and senior officials, describing the experience as “overwhelming.”
Exceptional Achievement
Stone-carver Samir Abbas, one of the many workers involved, expressed relief at the project’s timely completion, calling it “an exceptional renovation project.”
The cathedral will host an opening ceremony on December 7, featuring high-profile guests, including possibly U.S. First Lady Jill Biden, although Donald Trump’s attendance remains unconfirmed. Celebratory Masses will follow, honoring those who contributed to the restoration.
Global donations exceeded €840 million ($882 million), leaving additional funds available for future investments in the cathedral. Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich celebrated the achievement, stating, “Hundreds of thousands of people committed to what seemed like an impossible bet: to restore the cathedral within five years.”
With the reopening, Notre-Dame is expected to welcome up to 15 million visitors annually. Local residents shared their excitement. Architect Sebastien Truchot called the restoration “amazing,” while bookseller Albert Abid described it as a long-awaited “relief.”