the re-opening of the cathedral notre dame de paris

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Notre-Dame Reopens: A Monument Reborn

Five years after the devastating fire that shook the world, the cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris is opening its doors once again.

It’s not often that something happens that is so shocking, you still remember years later what you were doing when you heard the news. I clearly remember coming in from the garden that April end of afternoon, and my husband looking at me, aghast “Notre Dame brule!” … “Notre Dame is on fire!” Like millions of other people we turned on the television and watched in horror as as flames engulfed one of the world’s most cherished landmarks. It quickly became clear that this was a very serious and sad moment that would touch people around the world.

Now, five and a half years later, Notre-Dame has been reborn. Its restoration is a testament to the skill, dedication, and passion of artisans from around the world.

A Forest on the Roof

Perhaps the most extraordinary element of the reconstruction is the roof. Over 2,000 monumental oak trees were required to rebuild the iconic structure. 1,200 oak trees were donated by private landowners around France and 800 sourced from state forestry. It’s no exaggeration to say that a forest now perches atop the cathedral. Each beam was shaped by skilled carpenters, including one craftsman who relocated from Vermont, USA, to Normandy for a year to join the team and hand-hew the timber with traditional axes.

Bells, Rugs, and Stonework: Restoring Every Detail

Notre-Dame’s eight massive church bells, which have rung through centuries of history, were meticulously cleaned and remounted in Normandy. Meanwhile, the monumental rug used for special occasions underwent a two-year restoration by the Mobilier National in Paris, a painstaking process befitting its grandeur.

The stonework of the cathedral, weathered by centuries, was cleaned and repaired by master masons from across France. The effort transformed the cathedral into a hub of craftsmanship, where artisans were proud to contribute to such a historic project.

Stained Glass and Music: A Global Collaboration

The restoration extended beyond France, showcasing the power of international collaboration. A German artist was brought in to join the team repairing and replacing sections of the intricate stained glass, ensuring every window regained its brilliance. Meanwhile, a Belgian specialist in church organs was part of the monumental task of restoring Notre-Dame’s massive organ, its pipes and mechanisms damaged by soot and ash. The very best artisans across all disciplines lent their expertise to return Notre-Dame to her former glory, blending ancient techniques with modern precision. It’s a triumph not just for Paris but for cultural heritage worldwide.

The Grand Reopening

The official reopening of Notre-Dame this weekend is poised to be a grand event, with heads of state from around the globe invited to celebrate this momentous occasion. For now, the spotlight will shine brightly on the cathedral, drawing crowds eager to see her rebirth.

But I, for one, will wait until the initial rush subsides. I’m looking forward to visiting early next year when I can quietly marvel at the beauty of this century-old masterpiece, now reborn.

A Glimpse Into History

What’s truly breathtaking is how the restoration allows us to see Notre-Dame as it might have appeared when it was first built. The cleaned stone gleams, free from centuries of grime, offering a rare opportunity to experience a medieval monument as its creators intended.

Notre-Dame has not been redesigned but faithfully restored. Each detail carries a story of dedication, skill, and love. The project not only preserved a piece of history but also brought together artisans from around the world, creating a legacy of collaboration and excellence.

Today, as Notre-Dame stands renewed, it’s a reminder of resilience, artistry, and the enduring power of human ingenuity.