Notre Dame Cathedral to reopen in December 2024 after five-year restoration

Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is set to reopen on December 8, 2024, after a five-year restoration following a devastating fire in April 2019. Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve faced numerous challenges, including lead contamination and the COVID-19 pandemic, but persevered to meet the deadline. The restoration revealed the cathedral's hidden beauty, with many noting that the interiors appear more majestic than before. Villeneuve emphasized the importance of restoring not just the building, but the heart of France, while also implementing advanced fire safety systems to prevent future disasters. Despite the successful restoration, the cause of the fire remains unknown, causing ongoing concern for Villeneuve. He expressed a personal connection to the cathedral, stating that as it healed, so did he, marking a significant chapter in his career before retirement.