Notre Dame Cathedral reopens to the public five years after fire damage

Notre Dame Cathedral will reopen to the public on December 7, 2024, five years after a fire severely damaged it. The restoration has involved many craftsmen and artisans, and while work continues, the cathedral is ready for visitors. A traditional ceremony will mark the reopening, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. He will use a staff made from wood salvaged from the fire-damaged roof to knock on the cathedral's doors, which will open after a psalm is sung. World leaders, including President-elect Donald Trump and First Lady Jill Biden, will attend the reopening celebration. The restoration, costing around 700 million euros, was funded by global donations, with significant contributions from American citizens.