Reopening of Notre-Dame de Paris: international artists in concert on December 7, 2024?

The countdown is on for the opening of Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral. On December 7, a ceremony awaits to unveil the splendor of the monument, which will finally reopen its doors to the public the following day. The ceremony promises to be full of surprises, with possible international artists on the program.

On December 7, 2024, Notre-Dame de Paris is set to reopen its doors after five years of intensive restoration, marked by meticulous renovation and increased security. The evening will be marked by a prestigious ceremony, and could feature a number of renowned international artists, although the names of the guests remain shrouded in mystery. Philippe Jost, director of the cathedral's construction site, spoke on RTL about"very great artists of international renown", without revealing any further details. The possible presence of Paul McCartney, the former Beatle, is causing quite a stir, but no confirmation has yet been received from the organizers.

The festivities, though still secret in their unfolding, promise to bring together a large public around an event that is both spiritual and cultural. Inside the renovated cathedral, some 3,000 people are expected to attend, withEmmanuel Macron scheduled to speak in tribute to the efforts made to meet the goal of reopening the cathedral in five years, launched the day after the fire by the President himself. The fire on April 15, 2019 deeply affected public opinion and damaged this Gothic masterpiece.

The ceremony, scheduled for the day before the first public mass, symbolically coincides with the feast of the Immaculate Conception, adding to the emotion of the event. In addition, the eight bells in the north belfry have been ringing since the end of October, another milestone in Notre-Dame's renewal. Jost even compares the restoration work to that of the Sistine Chapel, where the colors and details of the restored decorations reveal all their original splendor.

For visitors eager to rediscover the cathedral, the official opening to the public will take place the day after the inauguration. A free reservation system will be available to limit the flow of visitors and ensure a better experience. As for the forecourt, it has been completely redesigned to offer a more welcoming, greener and more contemplative space. Visitors will be able to enter free of charge, although access to certain restored treasures may require a ticket.

Admiring the renovated cathedral is, in Philippe Jost's words, "a marvel". He explains: " The restorations have transformed the cathedral, with the stone restored to its original blond hue and the painted decorations resplendent in their intense colors. "

" It's reminiscent of the Sistine Chapel effect after it's been cleaned, a real rediscovery," he adds. Philippe Jost is also convinced that a fire like the one in 2019 could never happen again. " We have completely rethought fire protection, incorporating every possible technological advance," he says, citing " innovations " such as a misting system capable of diffusing a fine mist of water into the structure in the event of a fire outbreak.

Notre-Dame de Paris returns to its rightful place in the heart of Paris, ready to welcome not only the faithful, but also lovers of art and history, attracted by this essential and emblematic monument of the City of Light. A precious rebirth that bears witness to the history and resilience of Paris.

In any case, we can't wait to see the inside of the monument again, and to witness the long-awaited inauguration live.