Partial Restoration Raises Questions
PARIS (AP) — The bells of Notre Dame are ringing once again, yet the presence of scaffolding surrounding the iconic cathedral is causing some Parisians to wonder if its much-anticipated reopening is more symbolic than substantial.
On Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron will make his final inspection of the construction site, viewing the newly revamped interiors firsthand. However, he will also encounter the ongoing construction, with cranes and scaffolding still visible on the exterior of this nearly 900-year-old architectural marvel.
Implications of the Blaze and Rebuilding Efforts
The devastating fire in April 2019 severely damaged the cathedral, resulting in significant restoration efforts that have transformed it into a restricted area for the public. Many locals are eager for the cathedral to return to its former glory with the reopening.
In the wake of the fire, Macron promised that “we will rebuild the cathedral to be even more beautiful, and I want it to be completed within five years.” However, the reality has proven to be more complicated than anticipated.
While the interior is set to welcome visitors and worshippers starting December 8 for the first time since the fire, scaffolding at the base of the newly restored spire will remain until 2025, and more scaffolding will be in place on the east side for an additional three years, according to Philippe Jost, who is overseeing the reconstruction.
Challenges Ahead
The lingering construction work is raising eyebrows among residents. Around 140 million euros (approximately $150 million) remain unspent from the reconstruction budget, highlighting the extensive work still required. Cranes and temporary facilities for workers, such as showers and changing rooms, are apparent, and while some scaffolding has been removed, much remains.
“It looks like a construction zone,” said retired teacher Jean-Baptiste Lefèvre, 65. He expressed concerns about whether the reopening is being rushed to align with Macron’s presidency, which concludes in 2027. “It’s politics,” he suggested, criticizing the decision to celebrate a reopening that feels incomplete.
The Historical Context of Restoration
Moreover, the truth is that Notre Dame has been a construction site for many years, even before the fire. Scaffolding was already up for prior restoration efforts that were interrupted by the blaze. The fire inflicted considerable damage on the cathedral’s roof and its intricate wooden beams, famously known as “the forest.” Architectural experts acknowledge that the pace of restoration has been impressive, especially when considering modern safety regulations and the requirement for historical accuracy.
Historians argue that patience is key, reminding critics that the cathedral’s original construction spanned nearly 200 years, beginning in 1163. “Notre Dame’s reconstruction is a sign of hope for everyone,” remarked Rev. Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas, the cathedral rector.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Progress
Initial expectations for a full restoration by 2024 were dampened by the slowdown in work caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The former reconstruction chief, General Jean-Louis Georgelin, adjusted the timeline in 2023, stating that the upcoming reopening would be “partial.”
Macron’s office reframes the restoration as a testament to French determination, comparing it to national milestones such as the Paris Olympics. This visit will mark the seventh time he has toured the site since the fire.
Presidential officials claim he will witness the newly polished stonework, vaults reconstructed to their original 13th-century design, and the renewed golden cross at the altar. The vibrant murals in the Saint-Marcel Chapel and the refreshed sculptures of Louis XIII and XIV have also been highlighted in reports.
The Grand Reopening Event
Following a ceremony on December 7, during which Macron will deliver a speech in front of the cathedral, an inaugural mass the next day will formally signify Notre Dame’s return to public life. The cathedral will open its doors to the public until 10 p.m. in the first week, with free entry limited by tickets. Liturgical activities will resume entirely from December 16 onward.
Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, anticipates that visitor numbers will rapidly exceed those prior to the fire, with projections of around 15 million annual visitors. He remains optimistic that most visitors will overlook the unfinished aspects of the monument.
