The restoration of Notre-Dame Cathedral was celebrated through a series of momentous events this December, marking its triumphant return after the devastating 2019 fire. Each ceremony honored different groups who made this remarkable achievement possible.
The celebrations began on December 5, 2024, with a special dinner honoring the craftsmen and masons whose skilled hands brought the cathedral back to life. These dedicated artisans, who worked tirelessly for five years, were recognized for their exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to preserving traditional building techniques.
On December 6, the iconic La Tour d’Argent restaurant in Paris hosted an intimate dinner gathering for the most dedicated supporters and generous donors of Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris. Against the backdrop of the beautifully restored cathedral, guests enjoyed an exceptional dinner accompanied by prestigious wines from Château Margaux. The evening, graciously hosted by Anne Dias Griffin, Ken Griffin, and Marie-Josée and Henry Kravis, provided a moment to reflect on the remarkable journey of restoration.
The following day, December 7, marked a historic milestone as President Emmanuel Macron and presidents from 40 nations gathered for the official reopening ceremony. This extraordinary diplomatic assembly demonstrated the cathedral’s significance not just as a French monument, but as a symbol of global cultural heritage and international cooperation.
On December 8, Notre-Dame celebrated its spiritual rebirth with its first Mass since the fire. The cathedral was filled with archbishops from across France and beyond, their presence marking the restoration of Notre-Dame not only as an architectural masterpiece but as a living house of worship. This deeply moving service symbolized the cathedral’s return to its primary purpose as a place of prayer and communion.
The celebrations continued on December 11 with a special Mass dedicated to the thousands of donors whose generosity made the restoration possible. This service recognized the global community that came together to save this architectural masterpiece.
The reopening has captured worldwide attention, with major news outlets providing extensive coverage. CBS’s “60 Minutes” offered an in-depth documentary, while CNN featured an interview with Michel Picaud. The Wall Street Journal and CBC also provided comprehensive coverage of this historic restoration.
As shared by Michel Picaud, President of Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris, 2025 will usher in the next phase of restoration. The focus will shift to the chevet, sacristy, and presbytery – essential elements that require the same dedication and expertise that brought the cathedral this far.
These celebrations weren’t just about marking the completion of a restoration; they represented the triumph of international cooperation and the power of collective dedication to preserving our shared cultural heritage. As Notre-Dame opens its doors once again, it stands as a testament to what we can achieve when people come together for a greater purpose.
Be part of Notre-Dame’s legacy. Your donation, no matter the size, helps preserve this architectural masterpiece for future generations. Join our community of supporters and help write the next chapter in Notre-Dame’s story: Donate today.
