One of Europe’s most recognisable tourist attractions will reopen by the end of 2024.
According to the Associated Press, nearly four years after a devastating fire destroyed the structure’s famous spire and most of its roof, the reconstruction of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is progressing.
After workers were finally able to stabilise the cathedral following the April 2019 fire, reconstruction began last year. Officials plan to rebuild the Gothic-style monument and recreate the 315-foot-high spire that collapsed.
“The return of the spire in Paris’ sky will, in my opinion, be the symbol that we are winning the battle of Notre Dame,” said Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, who is in charge of the rebuilding project. “My job is to ensure that this cathedral is ready to open in 2024. And we will follow through. We fight for it every day, and we’re on the right track.”
“The most difficult challenge is adhering to our plans precisely every day,” Georgelin added. “We have a lot of different works to complete, such as the framework, painting, stones, vault, organ, stained glass, and so on.”
While the cathedral is expected to reopen to the public by the end of next year, renovation work will continue until 2025.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, an exhibition titled “Notre-Dame de Paris: at the Heart of the Construction Site” will open in an underground facility in front of the cathedral. According to the Associated Press, the free event will detail ongoing operations and feature some remains from the fire as well as works of art from the cathedral.