Notre Dame to reopen on December 8: Here’s what you need to know

“You did it. And it’s an immense source of pride for the entire nation. I’m infinitely grateful to you, France is infinitely grateful to you,” Macron said.

Here is all you need to know about about the restoration abd the reopening:

How did Notre Dame catch fire?

On 15 April 2019, flames engulfed Notre Dame, causing its roof to collapse and leaving the stone floor beneath covered in debris. While the cause remains unclear, investigators have suggested it was likely an accident, potentially caused by a burning cigarette or electrical fault.

The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the cathedral, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP)

Who paid for Notre Dame restoration?

In the wake of the disaster, Macron called it a “terrible tragedy” and pledged to rebuild the 860-year-old cathedral. Some of France’s wealthiest individuals pledged hundreds of millions of euros to support the restoration.

Over 2,000 days of meticulous work followed, involving thousands of craftsmen, oak trees, and restored features. Last week, the world caught its first glimpse of the revitalised Notre Dame as Macron toured the site alongside his wife, Brigitte, and church officials.

How much did it cost to restore Notre Dame?

The cost of rebuilding Notre Dame is reported to be approximately 700 million euros ($767 million). In total, 846 million euros ($928 million) were raised in donations from 340,000 donors in 150 countries, according to Rebuilding Notre Dame de Paris.

The Reopening Ceremony

Saturday’s ceremony begins at 6 p.m. local time, with Macron delivering a speech outside the cathedral. The Archbishop of Paris, Laurent Ulrich, will symbolically knock on the cathedral’s doors with his crozier, prompting the building to “respond” by singing Psalm 121 before the doors are opened.

Windows in the heart of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral are seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris. (Stephane de Sakutin, Pool via AP)

The event includes:
1. The awakening of the great organ, France’s largest with 8,000 pipes.
2. A series of prayers and hymns, culminating in the choir’s rendition of Te Deum.
3. A blessing from the archbishop.

A television broadcast will follow, chronicling the cathedral’s restoration.

The inaugural mass will take place on Sunday morning at 10:30 am, attended by Macron. A second mass, open to the public, will follow in the evening. For the next eight days, daily masses and evening services will be held.

The nave of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral is seen while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors of the monument, Friday, Nov. 29, 2024 in Paris. (Sarah Meyssonnier/Pool via AP)

On 17 and 18 December, the cathedral will host performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Magnificat.

Notre Dame is expected to attract up to 15 million visitors annually. Entry will remain free, with visitors able to book tickets online for same-day or next-day access.

The reopening marks a triumphant moment for one of the world’s most treasured architectural landmarks.