Notre Dame is scheduled to welcome visitors next month, marking almost five years since a devastating fire caused significant damage to the Parisian emblem. However, there are concerns being raised about the reopening strategy.
In April 2019, the world watched with disbelief as flames engulfed this French architectural treasure, resulting in the loss of its spire and roof.
Following the tragedy, Notre Dame was closed, but President Emmanuel Macron pledged that “we will rebuild the cathedral to be even more beautiful, and I want it to be completed within five years.”
On Friday, November 29, Macron is set to preview the newly restored interiors, preceding the public reopening on December 8.
While the reopening is a positive development, the exterior still resembles a construction zone.
Scaffolding surrounding the spire is expected to remain until 2025, with additional construction anticipated on the monument’s east side for the next three years, as stated by Philippe Jost, who oversees the construction plans.
There are approximately 140 million euros in unused funds for Notre Dame’s restoration, leading some to question if the reopening is premature.
Anne Leclerc, a 54-year-old lawyer, remarked, “It’s an eyesore. It feels like a half-finished project.”
With cranes and construction crews still present, 65-year-old retired educator Jean-Baptiste Lefèvre expressed skepticism about the timing of the reopening.
“What’s the point of such a big reopening when it’s not even finished?” he said. “It looks like a construction zone.”
Despite these concerns, the reopening will proceed, and officials are expecting around 40,000 visitors daily.
Though there have been suggestions for implementing a five-euro entry fee, visitors will still be able to enjoy the landmark without charge when it reopens.
Nevertheless, some changes have been introduced since 2019.
Visitors can still queue for entry on the day, but online reservations are also available.
Those interested can register online and select a preferred entry time, with this system soon to be operational on the Notre Dame website.
Due to fire damage, past visitors may notice differences in the cathedral’s interior. However, the renovation aims to restore the cathedral as a place for worship and reflection, aligning with visitors’ expectations.