First look inside Notre Dame after five years under wraps

Stunning photos have been released inside the world-famous cathedral ahead of its opening, which has been meticulously restored after a catastrophic 2019 blaze. See the photos.

The stunning restoration of the Notre Dame cathedral, one of Paris’s most famous landmarks, should offer the world a “shock of hope”, said French President Emmanuel Macron.

Cameras have been allowed inside the magnificent structure for the first time since the restoration was complete as Mr Macron surveyed the finished result with wife Brigitte.

French President Emmanuel Macron (L) inspects immaculately restored woodwork inside the Notre Dame before it reopens on December 7. Picture: AFP

Then versus now: The Notre Dame’s nave before the fire (L) and now (R). Picture: AFP

About 250 companies were involved in the restoration, which included the Western Rose window. Picture: AFP

The tour precedes the medieval church’s highly anticipated reopening on December 7, five years after a catastrophic fire ripped through its roof and caused its Gothic spire to collapse.

Immediately after the blaze, which caused a global wave of solidarity, Mr Macron promised the Notre Dame would be rebuilt and would be “more beautiful than ever” within five years.

The work has been immense, from removing the charred debris and toxic lead dust to building an enormous temporary “umbrella” to protect the towers and vaults until the roof was rebuilt.

Workers have rebuilt the thundering 8000-pipe organ (France’s largest musical instrument), felled approximately 1000 French-oak trees for the rebuild, cleaned and repaired the intricate stained-glass windows and even cast a golden cross and rooster to adorn the spire.

The restored choir stalls, pictured in 2018 (top) and 2024 (bottom). Picture: AFP

The new altar, designed by French artist and designer Guillaume Bardet. Picture: AFP

Brigitte and Emmanuel Macron survey the Crown of Thorns, designed by French artist Sylvain Dubuisson, during their visit to the world-heritage landmark. Picture: AFP

About 2000 people worked on the restoration, including architects, masons, carpenters, roofers, bell makers and organ builders, and the total costs is estimate at €700m (A$1.13b).

Some of the carpentry methods used in the restoration date back to the 13th century, while the spire is an exact replica of the original, which dates back to the 19th century.

The result, according to the pictures, is immaculate: light-filled halls, sparkling chandeliers, flawless limestone, unblemished floors, vivid stained glass and perfectly polished woodwork.

A key difference this time around, however, is a discreet new firefighting system.

Mr Macron thanked everyone who contributed towards the restoration by donating labour and money, as well as the firefighters who ran into the flames and saved as much as they could.

The restoration cost an eye-watering €700m (A$1.13b) and required 2000 workers, with donations coming from 150 countries around the world. Picture: AFP

Construction workers gathered in the cathedral to celebrate a job well done. Picture: AFP

“The blaze at Notre Dame was a national wound and you were the remedy, through your determination, hard work and commitment,” he told a crowd of 1300 craftspeople.

Donations towards the project came from 150 countries around the world.

About 12 million people visited the cathedral each year before the fire and it’s expected visitation will pick up again quickly when the curious public is allowed to peek inside.

Entry will remain free, however, the reopening will come with the launch of an online ticketing system, which will manage traffic by allowing visitors to reserve a timeslot.

The cause of the blaze has never been confirmed.

Originally published as First look inside Notre Dame after five years under wraps