Notre Dame reopens to the public today, 5 years after fire. Here’s what to know | Global News Avenue

Paris is excited about the one she loves Notre Dame de Paris Reopened after a devastating fire.

In April 2019, a fire broke out in the church’s roof space, destroying its iconic spire and damaged the roof and upper walls of the cathedral. repair work Work on the 860-year-old building has been ongoing ever since.

Although more work remains to be done to ensure restored medieval cathedral The church, which will dominate the Paris skyline for centuries to come, opens to the public on Saturday. The demand for entry was huge, with people coming from all directions to line the streets of Paris, waiting for the cathedral to reopen.

What happened after Notre Dame reopened?

The doors of the Notre Dame Cathedral were opened in a traditional ceremony by Paris Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. He rapped his staff on the heavy front door of the medieval church. The cane is made from wood salvaged from the cathedral’s charred roof, According to the Associated Press.

Hymns rang out in the cathedral. According to the Associated Press, the cathedral’s 8,000-piece organ is also used in response to the archbishop’s call, and is played by four organists. After the hymn had been sung three times, the door was opened.

Guests entered through the cathedral’s west facade to attend a “historic” ceremony, the Associated Press reported. A star-studded pre-recorded concert followed, including artists such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma, according to the Associated Press. The focus of the performance was to convey a message of harmony, celebrating the cathedral’s resurrection and role as a sanctuary.

Ulrich and other clergy wore vibrant liturgical attire designed by renowned French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. According to the Associated Press, Castelbajak combined modern elements with medieval styles to create a colorful creation for more than 700 celebrants.

French President Emmanuel Macron spoke inside the cathedral on Saturday, expressing “thank you” to those who saved, helped and rebuild Notre Dame, his voice echoing through the nave.

“I stand before you … to express the gratitude of the French nation,” he said.

According to reports, he said, “Tonight, the bells of Notre Dame will ring again. In a moment, the organ will wake up,” conveying “the music of hope” to Parisians, France and even the world through the bright interior. Associated Press.

Ulrich will lead an inaugural Mass at the cathedral on Sunday. He will dedicate Notre Dame’s new contemporary altar to replace the original one crushed by spire In the fires of 2019.

Restoration of Notre Dame inspires new generation

When fire engulfed Notre Dame in Paris in the spring of 2019, many worried that even if the cathedral had survived the blaze, the skills needed to restore it had long been lost. But it turns out there’s a lot more Traditional craftsmen and women Working quietly in France, soon Army of craftsmen Drafted to restore historical monuments. Decorative painter Camille Schmoeker says it’s the mission of a lifetime.

“My co-workers and I pinch ourselves every day like, ‘We’re here,'” Schmoke said. She describes her job as putting makeup on a mason’s job. “It’s nice to know that I helped create something that’s better than what was before, and that it will last longer than my lifetime.”

Lead architect Philippe Villeneuve said the restoration had shed a new light on traditional ways of building and restoring work. American carpenter Hank SilverHe, who was responsible for rebuilding the cathedral’s wooden roof, said the fire had a surprising impact on him and other workers.

“This may be a controversial point, but in many ways this fire has been a great gift, not just to me personally but to young people who otherwise would never know they could It’s a great gift to have the traditional profession of carpenter, stonemason, mason again in the public eye,” Silver said. “I don’t think you can get anything better than this in your life, really.”

The reopening is a bittersweet moment for the craftsmen who have spent the past five years rebuilding the historic site.

“I never thought I’d be doing something like this,” said apprentice roofer Mael Testas.

“I feel like he was my little baby in a way, but now he’s grown up,” Silver said. “Now everyone can visit.”

World leaders, including Trump, gather at Notre Dame Cathedral

Many world leaders will be among the 1,500 guests attending Notre Dame’s reopening celebrations. President Biden will not attend, but First Lady Jill Biden will. President-elect Donald Trump will also be present. They, along with leaders and dignitaries including Britain’s Prince William and Ukrainian President Zelensky, will be greeted by the French president Emmanuel Macron.

Macron has faced Political unrest in recent dayswas behind the ambitious decision to complete the cathedral’s restoration in just five years. Donations from around the world helped speed up the reconstruction process. Americans were the most generous donors, with 45,000 U.S. citizens giving a total of $75 million. The cost of reconstruction is approximately 700 million euros ($737 million).

The reopening marks Trump’s first international trip since his re-election in November. While in Paris, he will meet Macron and Prince William. It is unclear whether Trump will meet with Zelensky. The French president and other European leaders are trying to convince trump Continue to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia.