Notre-Dame reopening soon: See latest photos, videos of cathedral's revival from 2019 fire

Notre-Dame Cathedral will soon reopen its doors after undergoing a five-year renovation period.

A fire on April 15, 2019 left significant damage to the iconic cathedral and prompted its yearslong closure to the public.

For over eight centuries, the cathedral has been a place of worship and gatherings, as well as a popular tourist attraction.

In wake of the fire, French President Emmanuel Macron said at the time that Notre-Dame would be rebuilt “more beautiful than ever.” He also shared a goal to have the restoration completed in five years.

More than $700 million in committed donations poured in immediately following the fire as some of the richest families in France ? and many people around the world ? vowed to restore one of Paris' signature sites, USA TODAY reported at the time.

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National Geographic gives sneak-peek of the restoration of Notre-Dame

New photos show Notre-Dame's current state

Scaffolding surrounding the new spire on Notre Dame was removed earlier this year, revealing the decorative top to the centuries-old Paris cathedral that was badly damaged in a devastating 2019 fire.

Photos taken by National Geographic reveal more about the cathedral's restoration ahead of its scheduled re-opening.

The renovations haven't been universally loved, however. Philippe Villeneuve, chief architect of historic monuments, said adding a modern spire would be like “giving Mona Lisa a nose job”, National Geographic reported.

When will Notre-Dame of Paris open?

According to the cathedral's website, it will reopen its doors on Dec. 7 and Dec. 8. However, the reopening ceremony will be by invitation only. Details for the televised event will be announced in mid-November.

Starting the week of Dec. 7 to Dec. 15, reopening celebrations will begin, the Notre-Dame said. In addition, two “Magnificat” concerts will conclude the sequence on Dec. 17 and Dec. 18. Events will continue until June 8, 2025, the day of Pentecost, the cathedral said.

For more information on this story, visit nationalgeographic.com.  

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, food recalls, health, lottery, and public policy stories. Email her at [email protected]. Follow her on Instagram, Threads and X (Twitter) @forbesfineest.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Notre-Dame reopening: See Paris cathedral's revival from 2019 fire