Less than six months before the reopening, the diocese detailed the interior renovation project of the cathedral during a press conference held on June 25th.
Progress of the Interior Renovation Project
This project, which brings together creators and companies from the Atelier de Notre-Dame, is progressing as planned. The fabrication of liturgical furniture, chairs, and the reliquary for the Holy Crown of Thorns, designed respectively by Guillaume Bardet, Ionna Vautrin, and Sylvain Dubuisson, is on schedule. Other projects overseen by the diocese (lighting, sound, renovation of the treasury, interior arrangements) are also advancing according to the timeline. Additionally, Guillaume Bardet has been tasked with designing liturgical vessels and objects that will be used upon reopening, including ciboria, a chalice, paten, monstrance, censer, basin, ewer, cruets, and a tray. Alongside the 1,500 chairs planned, benches, kneelers, and prie-dieux, designed by Ionna Vautrin, will also be manufactured. Designer Vincent Dupont-Rougier has been commissioned to create devotional candle holders and distancing devices. The diocese has selected Jean-Charles de Castelbajac to design the liturgical vestments for the reopening.
Key Milestones
Details of the reopening events will be shared in the fall of 2024. The installation of the liturgical furniture is scheduled for November, along with the return of the statue of Our Lady of Paris to the cathedral, which was spared from the fire.
Welcoming the Public
An estimated 15 million annual visitors are expected, presenting a significant challenge in accommodating both pilgrims and tourists. A digital system for booking free access time slots to the cathedral will be implemented upon reopening, although entry will still be possible without a reservation. During the first six months, until Pentecost 2025, access will be restricted to individual visitors and worshippers, with group visits allowed only after this period. New mediation tools will be developed with a focus on accessibility, including a new signage system, a mobile “visit companion” app, publications, guides, and catalogs, as well as nearly 500 volunteers to welcome visitors.
Placement of Liturgical Furniture and Seating in the Nave ©Bardet / Vautrin / Emissive
3D Visualizations of Liturgical Objects Designed by Guillaume Bardet ©Bardet / Emissive
Placement of Chairs, Kneelers, and Prie-Dieu ©Vautrin / Bardet / Emissive
3D Visualization of a Lectern as Part of the New Signage ©C-Album
