After a five-year-long restoration, Paris’ iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral is set to reopen on Saturday, December 7, 2024, marking a remarkable recovery from the devastating fire in 2019 that nearly destroyed the historic landmark. The reconstructed cathedral has been revitalised with enhanced features, including its blond stonework, bronze liturgical furnishings, and luminous interiors, offering a renewed space for prayer, reflection, and admiration.
The reopening of Notre-Dame stands as a testament to the collective efforts of numerous stakeholders, including the Church, the State, patrons, craftsmen, artists, and businesses. This monumental achievement underscores the power of unity and determination, as the ambitious five-year reconstruction timeline has been successfully met.
The cathedral’s reopening, which extends from December 7, 2024, to June 8, 2025, aligns with the Feast of Pentecost and will be marked by a series of celebratory events. This period invites visitors from around the world to rediscover the splendor of one of Paris’ most treasured landmarks.
Key Reopening Events
December 7, 2024
The reopening service will be presided over by the Archbishop of Paris in the presence of France’s President, government officials, donors, clergy, and representatives of Parisian parishes. This symbolic event will mark the cathedral’s official return to service.
December 8, 2024
The inaugural Mass will take place on Sunday morning at 10:30 AM, featuring the consecration of the high altar. The Archbishop of Paris will lead the ceremony, with the President of the Republic and nearly 170 bishops from France and abroad in attendance. Clergy from all 106 parishes in the Diocese of Paris, representatives of seven Eastern Catholic Churches, and members of the faithful will also participate.
December 8–15, 2024
The reopening celebrations will continue with an octave of events, including two concerts of Jean-Sébastien Bach’s Magnificat on December 17 and 18. Throughout this period, the cathedral will welcome visitors for a series of liturgical and cultural events, culminating in the return of the Holy Crown of Thorns on December 13.
Notre-Dame Returns to Daily Life
Starting December 16, 2024, the cathedral will resume its daily schedule, opening its doors to the public from 7:45 AM to 7:00 PM. Weekly concerts on Tuesdays and various cultural programs will continue until Pentecost in June 2025, offering ongoing opportunities for visitors to experience the renewed grandeur of Notre-Dame.
