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Restored Notre-Dame reopens infographic
Graphic shows the main areas of restoration.
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FRANCE

Restored Notre-Dame cathedral reopens in Paris

By Jordi Bou

December 8, 2024 - The official opening of the rebuilt medieval masterpiece comes after painstaking restoration work in the years following the April 2019 fire.

The restoration of France's national cathedral, which was originally completed in 1345, has been achieved in just under six years and involved hundreds of builders, artisans and craftspeople from across the country and its European neighbours.

Costing an estimated $750 million, the landmark building has been cleaned not only of soot and smoke damage inflicted by the fire, but also centuries of grime, so that its light-coloured stone and dazzling stained glass windows appear as new.

Notre-Dame's many treasures and artworks, including its famous stone gargoyles, have been repaired and put back in place. Its Grand Organ, which escaped the blaze but suffered some water damage, has had all 8,000 pipes cleaned and retuned.

Joining French president Emmanuel Macron at the reopening ceremony are 50 heads of state, including U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Sources
PUBLISHED: 06/12/2024; STORY: Graphic News; PICTURES: Getty Images, Newscom, Priscille Leroy
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