As the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris officially reopened to the public on Sunday, visitors expressed great excitement at returning to the reopened iconic symbol of France, feeling deeply moved by the experience of what was once lost but now found after the cathedral underwent over five years of restoration following extensive damage from a devastating fire in 2019.
The Notre-Dame Cathedral reopened to the public for the first time at 17:30 on Sunday. According to the cathedral staff, around 2,500 visitors attended the reopening event.
To ensure a thorough preparation for the event, the staff meticulously rearranged and positioned artworks such as paintings and sculptures alongside restoring them, aiming to harmonize the age, style, location, and lighting of the artworks with the cathedral's interior, presenting visitors with the most impactful experience.
"The rearrangement and hanging of artworks in the cathedral stem from their centuries-long collection within its walls, where over time, their original positions became less discernible. As we were forced to remove all artworks during the fire, the current challenge for us is how to rearrange them. We aim to place them more logically to enhance people's understanding of the mysteries of the Notre-Dame Cathedral," said Maxime Deurbergue, a French art historian.
At 16:30 on Sunday, visitors formed long queues outside the cathedral. Eager to be among the first to visit and admire France's largest organ, medieval rose windows, and centuries-old artworks, many spent hours securing tickets through the booking system.
Many visitors described the experience as akin to reuniting with a long-lost friend, with the feelings of loss and found making their revisit to the cathedral incredibly precious.
"My primary interest lies in the organ, but I am also interested in other artworks, such as a bronze altar refurbished by an artist. The cathedral features numerous renovated rooms, restored stained-glass windows, interior paintings, chapels lined up in a row, and restored seating. There have been many innovations in both architecture and technology, such as the installation of heating systems in the flooring and rewiring beneath all marble floors. This project is truly extraordinary," said visitor Valerie.
"We are passionate about listening to the organ's music again; it must be wonderful. We saw the organ on television yesterday and being able to visit here today is fantastic. We can't wait to see if the organ has been restored to its former white color. The organ looked incredibly beautiful on television," said visitor Sophie.
"The rose windows are truly magnificent, especially the magical effect when sunlight reflects through them. They are incredibly beautiful. And yes, the organ, a truly remarkable instrument. To hear the organ played in this great cathedral feels like a dream come true. It's really fantastic," said visitor Maya.
"We were truly moved today. When the cathedral suffered a fire, my wife and I were in tears. We were both deeply saddened. Therefore, being able to visit here again today has been particularly touching. We can witness the changes at Notre-Dame Cathedral over these past five years," said visitor David Beaumont.
According to the cathedral staff, it is estimated that after reopening, the cathedral will welcome nearly 15 million visitors annually.
Visitors thrilled as Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens after five-year restoration from devastating fire
Visitors thrilled as Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens after five-year restoration from devastating fire
Visitors thrilled as Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens after five-year restoration from devastating fire
