The reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris is approaching!

The much-anticipated reopening of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is now set for December 7 and 8, 2024.

This date, announced several years after the tragic fire of April 2019, holds powerful symbolism not only for Paris but also for the world’s artistic and cultural heritage. Despite the complexity and scale of the restoration project, the monument will once again welcome worshippers and visitors from around the globe by the end of the year.

An ambitious project and a respected timeline

Since 2019, President Emmanuel Macron and the Minister of Culture committed to a reopening in 2024. Although not all of the work—immense in scope—will be fully completed by then, most of the structure, including the iconic spire and the rooster at its summit, has been carefully restored. The colossal project, involving dozens of artisans and experts, has breathed new life into the wooden framework, reconstructed the roof, and secured the entire structure. The exterior restoration of Notre-Dame will continue beyond December 2024, with the layout of the forecourt and surrounding access areas still to be completed, aimed at enhancing the visitor experience.

Reopening festivities program

The events surrounding the reopening of Notre-Dame promise to be rich in emotion and symbolism. The program is structured around key moments, including December 7, 2024, with an inaugural ceremony featuring the newly restored organ. The celebration will include a Magnificat or a Te Deum, followed by vespers, marking the rebirth of the cathedral. On December 8, 2024, for the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, a first Mass will be celebrated, with the consecration of the altar, marking the resumption of worship within this historic place of prayer. To honor this event, the Archbishop of Paris, Monseigneur Laurent Ulrich, has announced an octave of celebrations extending from December 8 to December 15, 2024, with each day dedicated to a particular theme, inviting Parisians and tourists to partake in these solemn moments.

Cultural events and reimagined visits

Notre-Dame’s reopening will also provide an opportunity to offer various cultural events. Under the label "Notre-Dame de Paris: Toward the Reopening," several events will accompany this symbolic return. The Cluny Museum will present a sculpture exhibition, offering a fresh perspective on pieces from Notre-Dame’s collections, visible from November 18, 2024, to March 16, 2025. Visitors will be able to discover the restoration work at the Maison du Chantier et des Métiers, a space located beneath Notre-Dame’s forecourt dedicated to the artisans and techniques involved in the cathedral's restoration, open through the end of 2024.

Moreover, several concerts and musical performances will be held to celebrate this unique event together! Don’t miss the performances by the Maîtrise Notre-Dame de Paris and the choirs, including a series of concerts at the Collège des Bernardins on December 9, 10, and 11, 2024.

Access arrangements for the reopening

To best accommodate the many visitors expected from the reopening, a free online reservation system will be available from mid-November 2024 on the cathedral’s official website. This ticketing system will help regulate visitor flow and ensure an orderly and secure access. The cathedral’s mobile app will also offer information and an interactive guide to accompany visitors on their discovery of the monument.

Notre-Dame de Paris: A symbol of resilience

The reopening of Notre-Dame marks not only the return of one of Paris’s most iconic monuments, but also a message of hope and resilience. This rebirth reflects the deep attachment of Parisians and people worldwide to this architectural and spiritual treasure. Despite technical challenges and difficulties, the commitment to its restoration testifies to a collective will to preserve and pass on this unique heritage to future generations.

If you’re in the City of Light, don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris in December 2024!

Photo ©Hannah Reding - Unsplash