The restoration of Notre-Dame cathedral is almost done, grabbing the world's attention as Paris gears up for the Olympic Games. Five years ago, a tragic fire ravaged the iconic structure, with the flames devouring its roof and spire, nearly bringing down its majestic bell towers. People worldwide watched in shock as this medieval masterpiece burned before their eyes.
President Macron, looking to boost the nation's spirits and his government's ratings before his term ends in 2027, sees the cathedral's restoration as a beacon of hope. "Only once in a century do you host Olympic and Paralympic Games, only once in a millennium do you rebuild a cathedral," Macron remarked in his 2024 New Year address.
The cause of the fire remains a mystery, with French authorities suggesting an electrical fault or a discarded cigarette as possible culprits. Despite the destruction, the cathedral's facade stood firm, a testament to the heroic efforts of firefighters who battled the blaze. "A firefighter once told me, 'Sir, take a close look at the facade because if we don't manage to put out that fire, it will all go to ruin,'" recalled Patrick Chauvet, the former chief priest of Notre-Dame.
The restoration effort has been a labor of love, with craftsmen and artisans pouring their hearts into the project. "This is the construction work of a lifetime, because restoring an entire monument in all its three-dimensionality, that's quite exceptional," said Emma Roux, who is working on the cathedral's iconic stained glass windows.
Scheduled to reopen in December, the project is currently on track, according to Philippe Jost, the official overseeing the restoration. Jost assured lawmakers that the project is both on time and on budget, with costs totaling 550 million euros ($587 million) so far. Generous donations, including contributions from luxury sector billionaires Francois Henri Pinault and the Arnault family, have helped fund the restoration.
Even with the substantial donations received, there will be excess funds available for additional investments in the cathedral. "An additional 150 million euros should be made available and - provided the approval of our sponsors - it will be used to restore the cathedral and tackle problems that predate the fire, which mainly concern the exterior stonework," Jost explained.
Jost, a 63-year-old engineer with a background in the defence ministry, took over the project after his predecessor, General Jean-Louis Georgelin, tragically passed away in a hiking accident in August 2023.
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