On December 8, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris will open its doors to visitors again, following an extensive reconstruction after the fire in 2019. The 860-year-old Gothic structure has been restored over five years, with modern design elements now being incorporated.
Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich announced the new interior plans, aiming to "welcome the whole world" for the reopening. A standout feature is the introduction of new priestly vestments designed by famous French fashion designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, also known as "JC/DC." His designs, inspired by the cathedral's grand gold cross that survived the fire, incorporate bold geometric patterns and vibrant primary colours, echoing the style of Dutch artist Piet Mondrian.
In addition to the vestments, the cathedral's interior will showcase a collection of bronze furniture crafted in southern France. This includes a new baptismal font, altar, and tabernacle, with a design aesthetic reminiscent of Game of Thrones. Furthermore, the seating has been upgraded with 1,500 to 2,000 light oak chairs, providing comfort for visitors.
The restoration extends beyond new furnishings. The painted chapel decorations have been restored to their original brilliance and are complemented by seven new tapestries and six new stained-glass windows. These windows were selected through a competition featuring 110 contemporary artists, including Daniel Buren, Herve Di Rosa, and Yan Pei-Ming. These additions aim to blend modern artistry with the cathedral's historical essence.
Rector Olivier Ribadeau Dumas highlighted that the revamped Notre-Dame will offer a "strong cultural and spiritual experience." The restoration has also included the completion of key elements such as the iconic spire, wooden frames, golden crosses, and the cathedral's weather-vane, ensuring the building's silhouette remains familiar while integrating modern safety features.
To handle the expected surge in visitors, with the diocese projecting 15 million annual visitors (up from 12 million pre-fire), a new reservation system will be introduced. Initially, individual visitors will be given priority over groups to facilitate a more personal experience.
Notre-Dame will accommodate 2,500 visitors at a time, with a daily capacity of 40,000—twice that of the Palace of Versailles and 10,000 more than the Louvre Museum. The cathedral's blend of historic charm and modern enhancements, along with advanced fire protection systems, is designed to provide an immersive and safe experience for all visitors.