Five Years After Devastating Fire Notre Dame Cathedral Unveils Restored Interior
Key Facts
Visuals of the restored interiors were broadcast live while the French President and his wife Brigitte Macron were given a detailed tour of the building.
Work to restore the cathedral’s interiors faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and workers having to operate cautiously to avoid objects falling on their heads—France’s chief architect of national monuments, Philippe Villeneuve, told Macron.
Macron and the first lady were shown the restored roof, the restored church organ and the rebuilt spire—which collapsed during the fire.
Speaking after the tour, Macron said the site visit was an opportunity for him to thank the workers, architects, archaeologists, engineers and planners who worked on the restoration.
The French leader also thanked donors from around the world who helped fund the rebuilding of the Notre-Dame and said “We didn't want a single cent of donations to go to waste.”
Which Billionaires Helped Fund The Restoration?
According to AFP, the total cost of the restoration was around $738.5 million (€700 million), some of which was raised by large donations from French billionaires. Bernard Arnault, the founder and CEO of luxury goods brand LVMH, donated $215 million while François Pinault, the founder of luxury goods group Kering, donated around $105 million. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, one of the richest women in the world, donated $226 million along with her family and company L’Oreal.
What To Watch For
The cathedral will officially reopen on December 7 and the new altar will be consecrated a day later followed by a Sunday Mass. Macron is scheduled to speak at the reopening ceremony and is expected to attend the consecration as well.
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