PARIS — Five years after the catastrophic fire that devastated Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris prepares for the Gothic landmark’s grand reopening on December 8, while restoration officials confirm that €140 million (around $148 million) remains from the initial donations for future preservation efforts.
The staggering surplus will support ongoing work to safeguard the 861-year-old cathedral’s structure and historic artistry.
The surplus funds, amassed from generous contributions by billionaire patrons and countless smaller donors, were initially pledged in the aftermath of the April 15, 2019 fire, which ravaged the cathedral’s iconic spire and roof and required substantial rebuilding and restoration.
Philippe Jost, the chief overseer of Notre Dame’s restoration, commended both the outpouring of support and the prudent management of donations.
“The funds were entrusted to someone very attentive and professional,” Jost stated during a press briefing in Paris, acknowledging the responsibility placed in overseeing such substantial donations.
He affirmed that the remaining funds would be used “in agreement with the patrons and donors to carry out needed work campaigns,” ensuring that Notre Dame’s preservation needs are met well into the future.
In an unexpected turn, Jost also confirmed that the billionaire donors who pledged vast sums on the night of the fire and in the hours following have fully honored their financial commitments.
“They have fulfilled their pledges,” he told the Associated Press, putting to rest earlier concerns over delayed contributions. Among the high-profile donors was Bernard Arnault, CEO of the luxury giant LVMH, who pledged €200 million, a contribution matched by the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation of the L’Oréal family.
Other major benefactors included François Pinault, founder of Kering, and Patrick Pouyanne, CEO of Total, each committing €100 million to the restoration efforts.
Initially, the fulfillment of these pledges was uncertain. In the immediate aftermath of the fire, pledges totaling nearly $1 billion were announced by some of France’s wealthiest individuals.
However, for months following, these large donations were reportedly delayed as donors awaited precise restoration plans and agreements to define how their contributions would be used.
This cautious approach left much of the initial cleanup, including the removal of toxic lead dust and structural stabilizations, to be funded by smaller contributions from Notre Dame charitable organizations based in France and the United States.
This perceived reluctance sparked widespread debate, with some critics questioning the motives of high-profile donors. Questions were raised as to whether their donations were a gesture toward securing a legacy or a genuine commitment to the preservation of French heritage.
As the reopening date approaches, Paris recently witnessed a stirring prelude to the cathedral’s return. Last week, the newly restored northern belfry resonated across the city, with the toll of its eight bells ringing for the first time since 2019, an emotional signal of Notre Dame’s resilience and symbolic importance.
The bells’ chimes reminded Parisians and visitors alike of the long road to restoration and the monumental efforts of the donors, artisans, and supporters who have made the reopening possible.
With the restoration nearing completion and significant funds reserved for future conservation, Notre Dame stands ready to welcome visitors back to a historic symbol of Parisian identity and cultural heritage, fortified for future generations.
