The restored interiors of the landmark Notre-Dame cathedral have been revealed, days ahead of its official reopening in Paris.
It marks a major milestone in the extensive restoration of the medieval cathedral, which has been underway since it was ravaged by a huge blaze in 2019.
While scaffolding is expected to remain around the landmark until 2028, the reopening on 7 December will allow the public to enter the building for the first time in five-and-a-half years.
L’incroyable résurrection de Notre-Dame de Paris. pic.twitter.com/o29GG2hQju
— François d’Estais (@fdestais) November 29, 2024
The interiors of Notre-Dame cathedral have been revealed ahead of its reopening
In the images circulating on the internet, the most notable element of the restored cathedral interior is the sweeping, bright limestone walls.
Stains and soot from the fire have been removed, giving rise to a luminous cream-coloured finish that gives the space the feeling of lightness and airiness.
The walls are complemented by a polished black-and-white chequered floor, which forms a sleek backdrop to solid oak chairs and revamped stained-glass windows.
The most notable element is the bright limestone walls
Though not visible in the images, another major part of the restoration that has been completed is the wooden roof, which was lost entirely to the fire.
This has been recreated with French wood, hand-sawn and shaped with axes to emulate its original construction in the 13th century.
Outside, visitors to the restored Notre-Dame cathedral can also see the reconstruction of its most distinguishing feature – the 96-metre-tall spire that collapsed in the fire.
The spire is a replication of the 1859 version designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc. It is crowned with the recreation of the original cross and a golden rooster, which have been designed by architect Philippe Villeneuve who is leading the renovation works.
Following the huge blaze in April 2019, architects put forward proposals for a modern version of the spire, but speculation over its future ended in May 2019 after president Emmanuel Macron confirmed that it would be rebuilt exactly as it had been before.
In a speech at Notre-Dame on Friday, the French president said the reopening “will be a shock of hope”.
“The shock of the reopening will, I want to believe, be as powerful as the one of the fire,” reported the BBC. “But it will be a shock of hope.”
As part of the restoration work, Notre Dame’s forecourt and the surrounding landscape are also being overhauled. Belgian architect Bas Smets will revive the square facing the cathedral and transform an abandoned underground car park beneath it into a visitor centre.
Main photo is by Stephane De Sakutin via Getty Images.
