Notre Dame Cathedral to reopen on December 8 after five-year restoration

Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen on December 8, 2024, five years after a devastating fire. Chief architect Philippe Villeneuve faced numerous challenges during the restoration, including lead contamination and the pandemic, but persevered to meet the deadline. The restoration revealed the cathedral's hidden beauty, with many noting that the interiors now appear more majestic than before the fire. Villeneuve emphasized the importance of maintaining historical designs while incorporating advanced fire safety systems to prevent future disasters. Despite the successful restoration, the cause of the fire remains unknown, leaving Villeneuve with lingering concerns. He expressed a personal connection to the cathedral, viewing its recovery as a reflection of his own journey.