Anticipated Reopening and Restoration Milestones
The Notre Dame Cathedral is on track to welcome visitors and worshipers by the end of 2024. The reconstruction of the cathedral’s timber frames is complete, and a new phase of intricate craftsmanship has begun. Roofers and artists are meticulously restoring the entire roof, starting with the spire and moving to the grand attic above the nave and choir. Additionally, the cathedral’s great cross, which survived the 2019 fire, is being restored by skilled ironworkers.
Technological Innovations for Fire Prevention
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the restoration is the implementation of advanced fire prevention and detection systems. The cathedral’s attic is now equipped with a misting system that automatically saturates the air with microparticles of water to prevent any potential fire outbreaks. Smoke detectors with air sampling and thermal cameras continuously monitor susceptible areas. Furthermore, the attic has been divided into three hermetically sealed compartments to prevent the spread of fire, a design enhanced by thicker wooden battens. These innovative measures position Notre Dame as a model for protecting other heritage sites worldwide, applying the lessons learned in the tragic fire five years ago.
Restoration of Art and Architectural Elements
The restoration extends to Notre Dame’s magnificent works of art and architectural features. The grand organ, untouched by the flames but affected by lead dust, is undergoing meticulous cleaning and reassembly. The harmonization process, where each of the 8,000 pipes is finely tuned, is underway. This exceptional instrument will once again fill the cathedral with its majestic sound during a special “awakening of the organ” ceremony upon reopening.
Significant progress has also been made on the cathedral’s stonework. The masons have completed the reconstruction of the north and south gables and their turrets, revealing the southern transept’s façade and its magnificent rose window, which was miraculously spared from the fire. The masons are now closing the final vault at the crossing of the transept, an essential step toward completing the interior.
Artistic Triumphs: The Angel of the Apocalypse and the Great Cross
The restoration of the Angel of the Apocalypse statue, a medieval sculpture that suffered severe damage from the fire, is nearly complete. This angelic figure will soon be reinstated on the western gable, heralding the return of Christ as depicted in the Book of Revelation. Similarly, the great cross at the cathedral’s eastern end, a symbol of resilience, has been painstakingly restored and will soon be reinstalled.
A Vision for the Future
As we draw closer to the reopening of Notre Dame, the continuous restoration work highlights the blend of historical reverence and modern innovation. The cathedral not only embodies the dedication and skill of its restorers but also sets a new standard for the preservation of cultural heritage. We look forward to the day when Notre Dame will once again stand as a beacon of faith, history, and human achievement.
Friends of Fondation de France is very proud to have played a role in this unprecedented restorations as one of the very few organizations entrusted with helping American donors support the Notre Dame Cathedral in its time of need. We are immensely grateful for the generosity of American donors which helped make this restoration possible, and look forward to providing more updates about the exciting restoration achievements as the grand reopening draws near.
