Macron praises 'impossible' Notre-Dame restoration

In a remarkable event in Paris, President Emmanuel Macron has expressed his admiration for the workers who accomplished the challenging task of restoring the Notre-Dame cathedral, which suffered extensive damage from a devastating fire in 2019. This historic Gothic structure, often referred to as a jewel of Paris, has undergone a significant transformation and is now ready to welcome visitors once again. On Friday, the world was given a first glimpse of the beautifully refurbished Notre-Dame as Macron led a televised tour to celebrate its imminent reopening. Five and a half years after the tragic fire, the cathedral has been meticulously restored, renovated, and refurbished, promising an awe-inspiring experience for all who visit. During his speech to the dedicated craftsmen and women who worked tirelessly on the restoration, Macron remarked, 'The blaze at Notre-Dame was a national wound, and you have been its remedy through will, through work, through commitment. ' He expressed deep gratitude on behalf of the nation, stating, 'I am so deeply grateful, France is so deeply grateful; you have brought Notre-Dame back. ' Accompanied by his wife Brigitte and Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich, Macron initiated a series of ceremonies that will culminate in an official 'entry' into the cathedral on December 7, followed by the first Catholic Mass the next day. Upon entering the newly restored cathedral, Macron declared it 'repaired, reinvented, and rebuilt,' and he was visibly impressed by the results of the €700 million renovation. The restoration included replacing the massive roof timbers that had been consumed by the fire, and Macron took the time to highlight the significant achievements of the restoration team. Before Macron's visit, the interior of Notre-Dame had been kept under wraps, with only a few images released over the years to document the progress of the renovation work. However, after witnessing the transformation firsthand, I can confidently say that it is a spectacular experience. The cathedral now boasts a fresh and vibrant appearance. The restoration was not limited to structural repairs; it also involved a thorough cleaning of the interior, which had accumulated grime and soot since the last restoration in the 1850s. The fire, which broke out on the evening of April 15, 2019, was a catastrophic event that resulted in the collapse of the iconic 19th-century spire. At the time of the fire, the cathedral was already undergoing external renovations, and the cause of the blaze is believed to be linked to either a cigarette left by a worker or an electrical fault. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed in the fire, although there were moments of concern when it was feared that the eight bells in the north tower might fall, potentially causing further damage to the structure. Ultimately, the main structure of the cathedral was saved, but the fire did destroy the spire, the wooden roof beams known as the 'forest,' and parts of the stone vaulting over the transept and nave. Additionally, there was significant damage from falling debris and water used to extinguish the flames. Thankfully, many important items were preserved, including all the stained-glass windows, most of the statues and artwork, and the holy relic known as the Crown of Thorns. The organ, which is the second largest in France, suffered damage from dust and smoke but is repairable. The clergy also celebrated certain 'miraculous' survivors, such as a 14th-century statue of the Virgin of the Pillar that narrowly escaped being crushed by falling masonry. Sixteen large copper statues of the Apostles and Evangelists, which had surrounded the spire, were taken down for renovation just days before the fire, saving them from destruction. After assessing the damage the day after the fire, Macron made a bold promise to have Notre-Dame reopened to the public within five years. A public body was established to oversee the restoration, and a fundraising campaign quickly garnered support, raising a total of €846 million from both large sponsors and countless small donors. The responsibility for the project was entrusted to Jean-Louis Georgelin, a determined army general who shared Macron's urgency in completing the work. Tragically, Georgelin passed away in an accident in the Pyrenees in August 2023, and Philippe Jost took over the leadership of the project. An estimated 2,000 skilled workers, including masons, carpenters, restorers, roofers, foundry workers, art experts, sculptors, and engineers, contributed to the restoration efforts, providing a significant boost to French arts and crafts. The project has led to an increase in apprenticeships in traditional trades, such as stone carving, as a result of the attention it has received. Pascal Payen-Appenzeller, whose association promotes traditional building skills, remarked, 'The Notre-Dame project has been the equivalent of a World Fair, showcasing our craftsmanship on an international level. ' The first step in the restoration was to ensure the site was safe and to dismantle the melted metal scaffolding that had surrounded the spire. Early on, a decision had to be made regarding the nature of the renovation: whether to faithfully recreate the medieval building and the 19th-century neo-Gothic changes made by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc or to take the opportunity to incorporate modern elements. Various proposals were submitted, including ideas for a glass roof, a green 'eco-roof,' and a spire topped with a vertical laser. However, all of these ideas were ultimately abandoned in favor of a reconstruction that remains true to the original design, albeit with some modern materials and safety features. For instance, the new roof timbers are now equipped with sprinklers and partitioning for added protection. The only remaining point of contention is Macron's desire for modern stained-glass windows in six side chapels, which has faced opposition from many in the French arts community. Macron has made the renovation of Notre-Dame a central theme and symbol of his presidency, actively involving himself in the project and visiting the cathedral multiple times. At a time when his political standing is low following challenging parliamentary elections, the reopening of Notre-Dame serves as a much-needed boost for morale. Some critics have accused him of seeking the spotlight by organizing the ceremony a week before the official reopening, but Elysée officials argue that the cathedral, like all French religious buildings, belongs to the state, with the Catholic Church as its 'assigned user. ' They emphasize that without Macron's swift mobilization, the restoration would not have been completed so quickly. An insider from the Elysée stated, 'What people will see in the new Notre-Dame is the splendor and strength of collective willpower – à la française.