Concealed behind layers of construction hoarding, barbed wire, and scaffolding, “Our Lady of Paris” has undergone a remarkable transformation.

Five years after a devastating fire shook the world, Notre Dame Cathedral is nearing its grand return.

Notre Dame Cathedral to reopen 5 years after devastating fire

Video by PBS NewsHour

Philippe Jost, overseeing the restoration, expressed awe at the ongoing process in November, describing it as "a wonder" and likening the cathedral’s interior to a “Sistine Chapel effect,” with captivating details at every glance. The cathedral is set to reopen to the public on December 8, marking a significant milestone in its journey of recovery. The exact cause of the fire that ravaged the iconic structure on April 15, 2019, remains uncertain, though investigators have suggested it was accidental.

The reconstruction’s scale and cost have been staggering. Approximately €700 million ($737 million) has been spent restoring the historic landmark, with a total of €846 million ($891 million) raised from 340,000 donors across 150 countries. The surplus funds have been allocated to restoring other monuments. The materials used in the effort are equally noteworthy: towering oaks of up to 27 meters, 1,300 cubic meters of stone, 8,000 pipes meticulously cleaned and retuned, and 1,500 solid oak pews crafted by 2,000 artisans, all contributing to this monumental endeavor.

From Shadows to Light

Stepping beneath the statues adorning Notre Dame's grand façade reveals a breathtaking interplay of light and structure. The cathedral’s bare columns now soar above, their walls stripped clean of centuries of accumulated dust and grime, presenting an almost brand-new appearance. While this meticulous cleaning has removed some of the mystical ambiance, it ensures the structure’s longevity for generations to come.

President Emmanuel Macron, who pledged ambitious restoration goals five years ago, revisited the site recently to thank those involved in the efforts. Over the course of 2,055 days, teams of workers have restored marble mosaics, retouched frescoes, and navigated the labyrinth of scaffolding that filled the space. The reconstruction advanced even amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

One of the most striking transformations has been the repair of the cathedral's ceiling. In 2019, the ceiling bore a massive hole exposing the sky, a haunting reminder of the fire. Now, the space has been filled with a replica of the original spire, designed in the 19th century by Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. This spire, a powerful symbol of resilience, rejoined the Parisian skyline early last year, shedding its scaffolding.

The cathedral’s bells tolled again in November for the first time since the fire, signaling its rebirth. Parisians also celebrated the reinstatement of the Mary statue, a treasured symbol of Notre Dame, which remarkably survived the fire and returned to the cathedral in an emotional procession.

A Labor of Love and Authenticity

On the night of the fire, President Macron vowed to rebuild Notre Dame as a testament to French history and resilience. Despite skepticism over his ambitious five-year deadline, the restoration team’s dedication proved it achievable.

Much of the restoration relied on traditional techniques and materials, emphasizing authenticity. The rebuilt ceiling features 1,200 oak beams, dubbed "the forest," sourced from former royal woods. These trees, some over 230 years old, were harvested in western France and transported via the Seine to replicate the original construction.

Craftsmen specializing in medieval techniques—stone masons, metalworkers, builders, and carpenters—collaborated to maintain historical fidelity. Using these methods ensured the cathedral’s legacy was honored, according to Philippe Jost, who underscored the importance of respecting the monument’s historical integrity.

A Cathedral Rediscovered

Stripped of its usual elements—pews, hymn books, and visitors—Notre Dame has undergone a striking transformation. Despite the disruptive restoration process, the cathedral’s grandeur remains undiminished.

Among its most iconic features are the stained-glass windows, masterpieces of French Gothic design. While these windows survived the fire, they required extensive cleaning to remove decades of dirt and smoke damage. The restored windows now shine with vivid hues, casting vibrant reds and blues across the interior when sunlight streams through.

As Notre Dame reclaims its place in Parisian culture, the cathedral stands as a testament to resilience and renewal. Visitors will once again marvel at this Gothic masterpiece, with its radiant stained-glass windows proving that Notre Dame, though scarred and reborn, continues to inspire awe.