The shock of the images of the terrible fire of April 15, 2019, which almost destroyed this heritage of exceptional universal value, still haunts people’s minds, the date now being engraved in the collective memory.
All those who witnessed, stunned, the conflagration of this jewel of Gothic architecture until the collapse of its roof and its thousand-year-old spire, just like those, even more numerous, who followed the scene live on local and foreign television channels or on social networks, are eager to see Notre-Dame de Paris rise from its ashes.
It took five years of restoration to realize the hoped-for rebirth of this emblematic monument of France, listed since 1991 as a UNESCO world heritage site within the “Paris, banks of the Seine” complex.
This is the ambitious deadline that President Emmanuel Macron set by promising on the evening of the tragic fire, in a most solemn speech from the Elysée, to “rebuild Notre-Dame”.
Since then, an unprecedented national mobilization, reinforced by a surge of solidarity transcending borders, has been associated with this desire to complete this monumental project on time.
It should be remembered that on the Very High Instruction of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Amir Al Mouminine, the Kingdom of Morocco had decided to make a financial contribution to the reconstruction of Notre-Dame Cathedral, “the symbol of the city of Paris, of ‘history of France and place of contemplation for millions of faithful’.
In total, 843 million euros in donations were collected, according to the Elysée, for this restoration which will have cost 700 million euros for the first two phases (first that of consolidation to avoid the collapse of the cathedral in the months following the fire, and then the restoration itself).
The remaining amount will be used to finance the third phase of restoration, those of the facades and the covering of the sacristy and the choir. This work, already planned before the fire, will be carried out in 2025.
To the constraint of a tight schedule, was added another and not the least: to reconstruct this masterpiece of Gothic architecture identically, with security and protection techniques capable of avoiding damage. other tragic incidents in the future.
Aware of the scale of the challenge, the French president personally monitored the site and the progress of the work, increasing the number of on-site visits.
His final visit before the inauguration is scheduled for November 29. It will be an opportunity to discover the first images of the rebuilt cathedral, the splendor of which will be revealed in its entirety.
In the meantime, the famous 13th century cathedral, which before the fire welcomed between 12 and 14 million people per year, making it the most visited historical monument in Europe, continues to arouse the interest of the curious, Parisians and tourists included, many of whom approached the construction site in the heart of Paris, not far from the banks of the Seine.
“Many people come here to see the progress of the work since the start of the restoration project. Here you can meet all nationalities,” Philippe, one of those second-hand book sellers who are inseparable from the Parisian quays, confides to MAP.
For anyone who can bear witness to the daily flow of visitors since the fire, it is always interesting to see Notre Dame “even injured”.
“People are looking forward to its revival and the opportunity to visit it again. It’s really a big moment that we’ve all been waiting for,” he said.
An observation confirmed by several tourists and visitors met on site.
This is the case of William from Singapore who says he is waiting “impatiently” for the reopening of this monument “representative of France and medieval architecture”. Until now, this art and history fan could be satisfied with a virtual visit to the cathedral, but he admits that this discovery cannot replace the experience of real exploration.
Elyne, who comes from the Philippines for her second time in Paris, remembers with nostalgia her first visit in 2017: “Notre-Dame was not burned then”.
“We are all waiting for the reopening of this cathedral which symbolizes a lot for France and the world,” enthuses the Asian tourist, “very happy to be there” for the occasion.
“I am really very happy that Notre-Dame de Paris will reopen and that it will once again be able to welcome visitors and religious people from all over the world,” summarizes Louis, who perceives this reopening as “the victory of creation over destruction, a sort of phoenix that rises from its ashes! ”.
How is the community involved in the rebuilding efforts of Notre-Dame?
Interview: Rebuilding the Heart of Paris – A Conversation with Architect Sophie Durand
Editor of Time.news: Welcome, Sophie! We’re excited to have you here to discuss the monumental task of restoring Notre-Dame de Paris. It’s been over four years since the heartbreaking fire, and I can imagine that the restoration process hasn’t been without its challenges. Can you start by sharing what it felt like to witness the events of April 15, 2019?
Sophie Durand: Thank you for having me. That day remains etched in our memories. As an architect and someone deeply connected to the heritage of our city, witnessing the flames engulfing such an iconic structure was heart-wrenching. It was like watching a part of our history crumble before our eyes. The spire collapsing… it was truly devastating, not just for Parisians but for people around the world who hold Notre-Dame dear.
Editor: Absolutely. The impact was profound. Following the fire, President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild Notre-Dame within five years. With such a tight timeline, what has been the primary focus of your team during the restoration process?
Sophie: The timeline has indeed been incredibly ambitious. Our foremost goal was to stabilize the structure to prevent any further damage shortly after the fire. We spent months ensuring that the remaining parts of the cathedral were secure. This involved assessing the structural integrity and using advanced techniques to preserve what could be salvaged. Our approach emphasizes not only restoring its former glory but also incorporating modern safety features to protect against future disasters.
Editor: That’s a fascinating balance between historical integrity and modern engineering. The financial aspect of the restoration is also notable. With 843 million euros raised, it seems there has been an unprecedented wave of support. How crucial has this funding been for the project?
Sophie: The financial backing has been vital. It allowed us to move forward swiftly with both the stabilization and restoration phases. The international solidarity we’ve seen, including contributions from Morocco and other nations, highlights how important Notre-Dame is to our shared cultural heritage. It’s a symbol of unity, history, and faith, so the support has been heartening.
Editor: Speaking of unity, many visitors have been drawn to the site, eager to witness the restoration first-hand. How has public interest affected the morale of the workers on site?
Sophie: The public’s enthusiasm has been incredibly inspiring. Every day, I see people gathered near the site, sharing their stories and memories attached to Notre-Dame. This brings a sense of purpose to our work. We are not just rebuilding stones; we are restoring a shared piece of memory and culture. The visitors’ presence keeps us motivated, reminding us that we are working on something larger than ourselves.
Editor: That’s a beautiful perspective! As we approach the completion date, what are your hopes for the reopening of Notre-Dame and its future role in Paris?
Sophie: My hope is that when people enter the cathedral post-restoration, they feel the same awe that generations before them experienced. Notre-Dame has always been a place of gathering, contemplation, and celebration. I anticipate that it will continue to be a pivotal part of Parisian life, attracting millions annually, just as it did before. There’s also an opportunity now to reflect on the resilience of our culture and heritage, sharing lessons learned from this experience.
Editor: Lastly, can you share a glimpse of what we can expect during the inauguration and the reopening?
Sophie: Certainly! While we aim to stay true to its original Gothic splendor, visitors will notice enhancements for safety and accessibility. The grand reopening will showcase the intricacies of the restored spaces, highlighting art, craftsmanship, and modern protective measures. We’re excited to reveal not just a restored landmark, but a renewed commitment to preserving our history.
Editor: What an exciting time for Paris! Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your insights into this incredible restoration journey. We look forward to the day when Notre-Dame stands proud once more, a testament to resilience and unity.
Sophie: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss this monumental project. We’re all eager to see Notre-Dame rise from its ashes.