On April 15, 2019, a devastating fire severely damaged the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. This iconic landmark, a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture, has been undergoing extensive restoration. The cathedral is scheduled to reopen to the public in 2024. Throughout the restoration, debates arose concerning the internal cleaning methods, leading to the replacement of all carpenters with skilled medieval woodworkers. Despite challenges, the project remains on track for completion by December 2024.
The internal cleaning phase of Notre Dame took place in the latter half of 2022. First, an emulsion was applied to all internal stone surfaces. After several days, the latex was peeled off, removing dust and grime and brightening the walls significantly. Although this cleaning was largely successful, many critics argue that the latex treatment alters the cathedral’s original appearance. Some also believe it distorts the sacred nature of objects and the Catholic traditions that have been preserved for over 850 years.
The 2019 fire destroyed Notre Dame’s complex wooden roof structure, once famously known as “The Forest” (La Forêt) due to its vast use of timber. Rebuilding this intricate roof posed a significant challenge, with some doubting its feasibility given the enormous amount of wood originally used. To overcome this, restoration teams collaborated with expert carpenters from Gettarenburg, located two hours south of Paris, who specialize in medieval woodworking techniques. The Gaidelong Castle project, an archaeological experiment, employs only medieval tools and locally sourced materials, making Gettarenburg a crucial partner in restoring La Forêt at Notre Dame.
By February 2023, scaffolding for restoring the iconic 19th-century spire was completed. Designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc, this wooden spire was one of the most memorable images of the 2019 fire. The spire was under renovation when the fire broke out. A replica has since been crafted using the same materials, with 1,400 French oak trees sourced for the new structure. The reconstruction follows Viollet-le-Duc’s original drawings meticulously to preserve authenticity, harmony, and the architectural integrity that defines this Gothic masterpiece.
Restoration efforts continue steadily, with reconstruction expected to conclude in 2024. However, some experts remain skeptical about meeting this deadline. In August 2022, French Minister of Culture Rima Abdul Malak expressed confidence that the cathedral would reopen in time for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Given that the Olympics run from July 26 to August 11, 2024, the timeline may still be tight. Meanwhile, Paris is adapting its architectural policies to balance heritage with modern needs. In June 2023, the city reinstated a height limit of 37 meters (approximately 12 floors) for new buildings. Additionally, in August, the French Ministry of Tourism encouraged visitors to explore less crowded attractions nationwide to ease pressure on major cities.
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