The iconic bells of Notre Dame are ringing once again, but to some Parisians, the sight of scaffolding surrounding the cathedral raises questions about the meaning of its reopening. They wonder if the grandeur that many expected following the devastating fire of 2019 will truly be realized.
French President Emmanuel Macron will visit the reconstruction site on Friday, getting a firsthand look at the renovated interiors. However, the cranes and construction materials still clutter the exterior of this nearly 900-year-old monument, a reminder of the ongoing work.
After the catastrophic blaze that claimed the iconic spire and much of the roof, Macron promised that “we will rebuild the cathedral to be even more beautiful, and I want it to be completed within five years.” Yet, as the project progresses, the timeline appears more complicated than he envisioned.
The interior is set to welcome visitors and worshippers starting December 8, but outside, the scaffolding around the newly restored spire is expected to remain until 2025. The eastern side may not be clear of construction for another three years. Philippe Jost, in charge of the reconstruction, confirmed these timelines this month.
For many in Paris, the fire left a deep wound, and they are eager for the cathedral to regain its former glory. However, not everyone is satisfied with the current state of the restoration. Some locals anticipated that the exterior would also shine as brightly as the newly finished interior. A significant amount of funding—around 140 million euros—remains unspent, hinting at the scale of the work that still lies ahead. Cranes and temporary facilities for workers make the area feel more like a construction site than a historic landmark.
“It’s an eyesore,” noted Anne Leclerc, a lawyer. “It feels like a half-finished project.” Jean-Baptiste Lefèvre, a retired teacher, echoed her sentiments, recalling Macron’s five-year goal and suggesting that the reopening might be happening too soon to satisfy political ambitions.
“It’s politics, and he wants it to be finished while he’s still president,” Lefèvre observed, pointing to the ongoing work. “What’s the point of such a big reopening when it’s not even finished?”
The truth is, Notre Dame has been undergoing work long before the fire. Scaffolding for restoration was already in place in 2019, and the fire’s aftermath required significant structural removals before construction could proceed. The roof was severely damaged, and the spire collapsed, leaving a void that still lingers in the heart of the city.
Experts in architecture recognize the progress made thus far, especially considering the strict safety regulations and the necessity for historical precision. Historians remind us that the original construction of Notre Dame took almost 200 years, beginning in 1163.
According to Rev. Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas, the rector of Notre Dame, “The reconstruction is a sign of hope for everyone.”
Delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic also impacted initial hopes for a swift restoration. The late General Jean-Louis Georgelin, who headed the reconstruction efforts, dampened expectations earlier this year, indicating that the reopening would be partial.
Macron’s administration presents the restoration as a significant achievement for France, comparing it to other national milestones, such as the upcoming Paris Olympics. His upcoming visit will mark his seventh tour of the site since the fire.
Visitors will see the well-restored stonework, the painstakingly rebuilt vaults, and the elegant golden cross at the altar. Stunning murals and sculptures are returning to their original colors, reflecting the historic beauty that once defined Notre Dame.
On December 7, a ceremony will kick off the reopening festivities, followed by a mass the next day, marking the cathedral’s return to public life. The public will be able to visit for free during the first week. The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, anticipates that visitor numbers will soar, expecting up to 15 million annually, confident that the work still underway will not deter the faithful from coming to this beloved site.
