Why the reconstruction of Notre-Dame is more problematic than expected

On a tranquil day in April 2019, Parisians and people around the world watched in horror and astonishment as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site, was engulfed in flames. The magnificent roof of the cathedral and its 800-year-old oak support structure were essentially destroyed when the main spire, made of 750 tons of oak covered in lead, collapsed into the flames and landed on the wooden roof. Many elements of the church were destroyed or damaged, including the famous gargoyle statues that gaze down at visitors, the relic of the Crown of Thorns, and the tabernacle. Indeed, one of the city's main pillars, a tourist attraction, and a historic symbol, had been almost entirely destroyed. However, reconstruction efforts were swift, and promises of donations poured in from some of France's wealthiest business magnates. François Pinault pledged 100 million euros, Patrick Pouyanné of Total Énergie did the same, Bernard Arnault of LVMH pledged 200 million euros, as did the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation of L'Oréal's fortune, among other foundations, both in France and abroad. In total, around 825 million euros were collected, with most of this amount naturally going to restoration efforts but also to the brave workers who regularly venture into the structure to perform the necessary meticulous work, and to the surprise of many, modernised improvements, an initiative not welcomed by all.

A modernised Restoration

More recently, President Emmanuel Macron visited the construction site, promising that work was underway for Notre-Dame to be open to the public on December 8, 2024, five years and seven months after the fire. Unfortunately, it will not be open in time for this summer's Olympic Games, a setback as tourists will flock to the city, likely seeking to occupy their free time by exploring the reconstructed 860-year-old monument. «By the time of the Olympics (in July), we plan to dismantle the scaffolding from the upper part of the spire and have completed a large part of the roof so that Parisians and visitors from around the world can see how close the cathedral is to reopening,» said Philippe Jost of the Notre-Dame de Paris Reconstruction (the public body responsible for the conservation and restoration of the cathedral), in front of the French Parliament on December 13. After the fire, the first two years of reconstruction work were dedicated to securing the building, conducting project studies, awarding contracts, and, of course, delays related to the Covid-19 pandemic. Restoration officially began in September 2021. For those living nearby, they enjoy a first-class view of the latest progress, including the restoration of the roof framework, spire, and large upper galleries.

In honour of those who undertook this painstaking and quite dangerous work, a sealed tube was placed inside the golden rooster mounted on top of the spire on December 16, containing a document listing the names of the 2,000 people who participated in the reconstruction efforts, a tribute to the dedicated workers who rallied to restore the historic monument. The installation by crane of the new golden rooster, reimagined as a dramatic phoenix with flamboyant feathers, goes beyond a simple weathervane atop the cathedral spire. It symbolises resilience in the midst of destruction after the devastating April 2019 fire, while revealing that a fire protection misting system is being installed under the cathedral's roof. In the light of the horrendous fire that almost destroyed the historic monument, there is hope, as the mobilisation of many charitable organisations worldwide demonstrates how iconic this monument is and their commitment to ensuring the historic landmark is never left in ashes.

Critics from Parisians

Although the original appearance of the cathedral will be restored, preserving its historical roots, President Macron has recently expressed the desire to modernise the structure. In late 2023, the President announced a competition that will allow contemporary artists to recreate six of the stained glass windows on the south side of Notre-Dame, with the hope of giving a fresh look to the structure to reflect the 21st century. Despite this seemingly noble initiative in the name of modernisation, the initiative has been quickly criticised. To date, over 125,000 people have signed a petition denouncing the proposal to replace the stained glass windows of the chapel, originally designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in 1859, with stained glass artworks. The original stained glass windows were not damaged in the 2019 fire, but the President has proposed that these original works be moved to a new museum dedicated to the restoration process.

«How can one justify restoring stained glass windows that survived the catastrophe only to replace them immediately? Who gave the head of state the mandate to modify a cathedral that does not belong to him but to everyone?» reads the letter published by La Tribune de l'Art. It continues: «Emmanuel Macron wants to imprint the 21st-century mark on Notre-Dame de Paris. A bit of modesty might be preferable. We won't be cruel enough to remind you that this mark already exists: the fire.» Furthermore, plans are in place to add new interior lighting, an audio system, a redesign of the tourist circuit layout, and installing new furniture for visitors. While this may appeal to some, loyal Parisians who have long considered the cathedral a symbol of French history see this as an unnecessary initiative that will divert from the historical beauty that, according to many, should be left as original as possible.