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Notre-Dame Reopens: Here’s What to Know
Millions of visitors will flock to the Parisian cathedral after it reopens in December for the first time since a destructive fire in 2019.
Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen after five and a half years of work to restore its wood and lead roofing, famous spire and other parts of the building that were destroyed or damaged in a devastating fire in April 2019.
Here is everything you need to know.
When is Notre-Dame reopening?
An official and religious ceremony will take place on Saturday, Dec. 7.
First, President Emmanuel Macron of France, who had vowed to restore the Gothic medieval masterpiece within five years of the fire, will give a speech in front of the cathedral to Roman Catholic dignitaries, foreign officials and donors who contributed to the renovation.
Afterward, the archbishop of Paris will strike the doors of the cathedral with his staff, and a choir will sing Psalm 121 three times. The doors will be opened, and the archbishop will lead a religious service and bless the great organ, which was not damaged but had to be cleaned of toxic lead dust.
Next will come a televised show and concert, also in front of the cathedral. Gustavo Dudamel will conduct the Radio France Philharmonic Orchestra, and there will be performances by the Chinese pianist Lang Lang, the Beninese-French singer Angélique Kidjo, the Canadian singer Garou and others.
On Sunday, Dec. 8, the cathedral will celebrate a Mass to consecrate the altar. Mr. Macron and about 170 bishops from France and elsewhere are expected to attend, as well as priests from Paris’s 106 parishes.
