Notre Dame Update (Feb 2024)
Visible Progress
The spire is back! After watching it collapse in flames during the fire of April 2019, the world thought that Notre Dame de Paris was gone forever. But thanks to the tireless work of nearly 1,000 skilled artisans and scientists, the cathedral is coming back to life.
Most visibly, an exact duplicate of the original spire erected in 1859 has been put in place. Although still encased in scaffolding, the new golden rooster perched atop stands proud, announcing the return of Notre Dame.
Another milestone was reached on January 12, 2024 when the medieval choir framework was completed, marking the final phase of the roof’s structural reconstruction. The crew celebrated by placing flowers atop the framework in a proud moment for all. In the photo above, the bouquet of flowers can be seen in the foreground, and the new golden rooster is apparent above the spire’s scaffolding.
Unseen from the outside, a tremendous amount of work has been completed inside. Stained glass windows have been meticulously cleaned. Some have been removed, sent to special laboratories for a thorough removal of lead dust, and returned. The organ builders have been restoring the bellows which feed air to the 8000 pipes.
Much is left to do. Structurally, the cathedral is now sound. The electrical and plumbing work for the new fire protection system continues. The roof needs to be sealed with lead. Statues need to take their place atop the cathedral, gazing up at the spire.
The year 2024 will show quick progress as the reconstruction comes to an end. By the end of the year we look to see Christmas mass held inside Notre Dame de Paris. I personally am anxious to see the rebirth of this marvelous historic place of worship. Victor Hugo would have been pleased.
Maybe I will once again be able to stand under the arches, photobombing the tourists as I first did in 1979, described in my new book, Paris for Life.
For more information on reconstruction progress, click on the links below:
Friends of Notre Dame de Paris
For more information on my new book Paris for Life: Notes from a Lifetime in and out of Paris, click here.
What is your favorite memory of Notre Dame de Paris? Leave us a comment below.
