World
Watch live: Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening in Paris over 5 years after destructive fire
After a 5½-year restoration project, historic Notre-Dame Cathedral reopens in Paris this weekend. An $800 million restoration project reconstructed and burnished the medieval building.
Trump, Zelenskyy welcomed by Macron for Notre Dame reopening ceremony
French President Emmanuel Macron and caretaker Prime Minister Michel Barnier welcomed guests to the reopening ceremony of Paris’ Notre Dame Cathedral.
Opening Day has arrived in Paris for the historic Notre-Dame Cathedral, now 5½ years after a disastrous fire nearly destroyed the medieval landmark.
French President Emmanuel Macron provided a look inside the masterpiece of Gothic and Romanesque architecture last week.
But Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 7-8, mark the official opening ceremony, scheduled for about 7 p.m. in Paris (1 p.m. ET/10 a.m. PT) with the opening of the doors, a religious ceremony and a concert, expected to begin about 9 p.m. in Paris.
Among those expected to attend the invitation-only event are U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, with Macron being the first foreign leader to host Trump since his November victory in the presidential election.
Also expected to attend: First Lady Jill Biden, Prince William and other heads of state including Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Notre-Dame Cathedral reopening event: Watch live
Due to a forecast of strong winds, much of the weekend’s events will be held inside the cathedral, organizers said Friday.
You can watch the reopening festivities on USA TODAY’s YouTube channel here.
Saturday night’s concert is scheduled to include performances by Pharrell Williams, Angélique Kidjo, cellist Yo-Yo Ma, pianists Lang Lang and Khatia Buniatishvili, organist Olivier Latry, violinists Renaud Capuçon and Daniel Lozakovich, opera stars Nadine Sierra, Pretty Yende and Benjamin Bernheim, and the Orchestre Philharmonique de Radio France, conducted by Gustavo Dudamel. A lightshow will illuminate the building’s western facade.
Classical music label Deutsche Grammophon will livestream the concert on its Stage+ music streaming service, starting about 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT.
Macron: ‘Planet was shaken” by Notre-Dame Cathedral fire
A restoration project, which cost an estimated $800 million, repaired the damage of a destructive April 15, 2019 fire, which was thought to be accidental.
“The planet was shaken on that day,” Macron said ahead of Saturday’s event, Reuters reported. “The shock of the reopening will – I believe and I want to believe – be as strong as that of the fire, but it will be a shock of hope.”
Thousands of expert craftspeople including carpenters, stonemasons and stained glass window artists helped restore the 860-year-old building’s spire and rib vaulting. Notre-Dame’s organ required the restoration of nearly 8,000 pipes, according to Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: Restoration is just latest one for famed medieval structure
One of the world’s most famous tourist attractions, the 12th-century cathedral was undergoing a major restoration at the time of the fire. Initial construction on the cathedral began in 1163, but it took more than 100 years to complete. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the cathedral underwent major restorations and additions.
Increasing international awareness of the historic building was its use as a setting for Victor Hugo’s 1831 novel, “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame.”
Contributing: Ahjané Forbes and Kim Hjelmgaard, USA TODAY, and Reuters
Follow Mike Snider on X and Threads: @mikesnider & mikegsnider.
What’s everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
No Threat To National Security: US Agencies On Mysterious Drone Sightings
US announces H-1B visa overhaul to fill jobs faster; Indians likely to benefit most
Pics Emerge Of 15-Year-Old US Shooter. She Was “Fascinated” By Killers
Outgoing US Government Relaxes H-1B Visa Rules. What It Means For Indians
US Teen Shooter’s School Rejects Evolution, Cites God’s Role In Governance
Best Online Slots UK: Top UK slot sites to play for real money in 2024 – Jamaica Observer
US Congress Lines Up Bill To Avoid Partial Government Shutdown
“Not An Ordinary Killing”: UnitedHealthcare CEO’s Murder Suspect Charged
US President-Elect Trump Plans To Rollback Most Biden-Era EV Policies
