April 15, 2019, will be remembered as one of the most tragic days in the history of Paris, France, and the world's artistic heritage. This is because a fire broke out and destroyed the dome and spire of Notre Dame. It took 200 years to construct the cathedral, and its rehabilitation took five very long years. However, at the end of this year, the Notre Dame Cathedral reopening is finally scheduled.
On December 8, Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen to the public after almost six years of rehabilitation following the tragic fire that occurred during works inside the cathedral. The date coincides with the commemoration of the Immaculate Conception. The rehabilitation process involved an investment of millions of dollars, and the cathedral is expected to show off its restoration to the world proudly. However, the reopening will not coincide with the Paris Olympic Games, held from July 26 to August 11.
Almost Six Years of Rehabilitation
Notre Dame is part of the UNESCO heritage and is the most visited monument in France. Rehabilitation projects began almost immediately, and contemporary artists restored the stained glass windows on the cathedral's south side. The tremendous golden cockerel, with the relics of St. Denis and St. Geneviève, survived the fire and will have a museum inside the cathedral. Recently, in February, the scaffolding was removed from the rebuilt spire, which is a reproduction of the original design by Eugène Viollet-Le Duc. Innovative techniques were used in the cathedral's rehabilitation and restoration while following the original structure's guidelines.
Notre Dame Cathedral Reopening Program
An occasion like the reopening of the interior of Notre Dame is rare. A Te Deum will be celebrated on April 15 of this year to mark the fire's fifth anniversary. The main event, however, will take place on December 8. The celebration will continue until June 2025, which coincides with Pentecost.
Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral
Currently, you can only enjoy the exterior of Notre Dame. Being one of the most iconic monuments in the world, even when it has been immersed in full rehabilitation, travelers have maintained interest, and many travel companies offer a tour of the surroundings.
Tickets to enter Notre Dame can only be purchased through the Paris ticketing website. Once it finally opens, access is expected to be free, except to climb the towers, as before the fire.