How Notre-Dame Was Reborn

NYT WORLD: How Notre-Dame Was Reborn
By Aurelien Breeden and Jonathan Blezard
Section: World
Source: New York Times
Published Date: December 6, 2024 at 02:00AM

It took about 250 companies, 2,000 workers, about $900 million, a tight deadline and a lot of national pride.

The embers of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris were still hot when President Emmanuel Macron vowed that France would rebuild it to be “more beautiful than ever.” Then the French leader gave a deadline so ambitious it took many aback: “I want this to be finished in five years,” Mr. Macron said. It was April 2019, and flames had just torn through the 860-year-old Gothic monument, obliterating its ancient wood and lead roofing and sending the tip of its spire crashing through the stone vaults below. Some called the deadline feasible. Others said it was wildly unrealistic. Now, after five and a half years and about $900 million in donations, France is on the verge of success. Renovations to the cathedral’s exterior will continue, but the bulk of what was destroyed has been restored. Excitement is mounting just days before Notre-Dame reopens for millions of tourists and pilgrims.

Read More at: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/06/world/europe/notre-dame-paris-france.html?partner=IFTTT