Notre Dame reopens with grand ceremony five years after fire

Members of the public eager to visit the Notre Dame now that the famed cathedral is officially open can now book tickets online, at no cost, of course.

“Notre-Dame Cathedral is open to all, freely and without charge,” the cathedral’s website said, noting that the first available slots went online today.

Booking online is “entirely optional,” it notes, with visitors also able to make their way to the cathedral without a ticket. However, they can likely expect long lines in the immediate wake of the cathedral’s reopening, with a visit to the ticketing page already leading to a “queue” due to a high frequency of visitors.

The website encourages people to check back even if maximum capacity is temporarily reached, saying new visitor slots will be regularly made available.

Today’s entire service has been accompanied by the choirs of the Notre Dame de Paris Choir School, a training center for young singers.

Their voices rang out during the rite of the opening of the doors and filled the air with music as the cathedral’s doors swung open with a burst of song for the first time in five years.

The choir school effectively lost its home in the 2019 fire that destroyed much of the cathedral’s roof and its iconic spire, forcing its closure for years.

Today’s service marks something of a homecoming for the choir school, with members also expected to perform during an inaugural mass tomorrow.

Jill Biden held tightly the hand of her daughter, Ashley, as the reopening ceremony took place. They both appeared moved by the organ dialogue with the archbishop.

In his message to Notre Dame and the French people, Pope Francis said he hoped for a “prophetic sign of the renewal of the church in France.”

He also emphasized the importance of welcoming visitors “generously and freely,” a comment seemingly directed at the French culture minister’s controversial proposal for visitors to pay an entrance fee, which has caused debate and was largely rejected.

PARIS — Most have on jeans, some wear rough work boots, and one sings with a white construction helmet tucked under his arm. Gathered in the church hall before the altar, their song begins low and soft, surges and then sweeps through the Gothic-style church and up to its soaring stone ceiling.

The 80-strong choir has come together to do more than sing, though — the crew of architects, stonemasons, archaeologists, art historians, art conservators and others have helped rebuild Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral after a fire ripped through the iconic French Gothic masterpiece nearly five years ago.

Read more here.

Watching the Notre Dame’s doors swing open to a burst of choir song marked an emotional moment for the thousands of people taking in the display from just outside the cathedral.

One man could be seen watching today’s ceremony in silence, with tears running down his face. Others could be seen huddled together, their eyes shining.

“It’s very moving to be here,” said Ariane Ginnaros as she watched on with her husband, Clement Walter, and their young daughter, Thalie.

“It’s a bit emotional and also a bit proud,” Walter added, holding Thalie up on his shoulders.

In France, he said, “we are used to being so pessimistic about the capacity of the French government to actually manage a big task properly — and then eventually, it’s here. We’re so happy and proud.”

Olivier Latry, who has served as Notre Dame’s organist for 40 years, is awakening the organ for its symbolic resurrection after the fire. The instrument, with 8,000 pipes, was painstakingly disassembled, cleaned and tuned after the 2019 fire.

The archbishop is blessing the organ, calling it to “wake up its harmony.”

“Wake up, organ, sacred instrument,” he chants, marking a symbolic moment in the ceremony.

The organ responds with music as 8,000 pipes come alive. There is symbolic dialogue between the archbishop and the organ.

During the service, another priest read a message from Pope Francis.

The pope’s message is read by his representative, Apostolic Nuncio to France Celestino Migliore.

The bright primary colors on the banners and the priests’ robes and cloaks reflect the signature style of designer Jean-Charles Castelbajac.

In an interview with NBC News, Castelbajac, a devout Catholic who has collaborated with the Paris Diocese three times in designing its liturgical clothing, shared his experience.

“When one year and a half ago, Monseigneur Urich called me and gave me this mission to be the one who designed the vestments for the reopening of Notre Dame, I should say that my heart was beating especially fast,” he said. “It was to inscribe myself not as a designer but as a companion, as someone part of a long chain of 800 years as one of those who contributed to Notre Dame.”

The religious service has begun at Notre Dame, with 113 banners representing each parish in Paris entering the cathedral as part of the procession.

Speaking at the grand reopening ceremony, Macron said, “I am before you to offer the gratitude of the French nation, gratitude towards those who saved and rebuilt the cathedral.”

He also expressed gratitude “to all those who are present at this moment where we are about to take part in the returning of her [Notre Dame] to Catholics, to Paris, to France and the entire world.”

Thousands of people watching the display outside the cathedral clapped for first responders as they appeared on the screen.

“Regard — look at this!” one elderly man in the crowd said, pointing to the screen.

“We are all here and it’s wonderful,” he exclaimed.

Macron has begun his speech at Notre Dame, a pivotal moment in the cathedral’s grand reopening ceremony. It was moved indoors due to weather.

Zelenskyy said today that he had a “good and productive trilateral meeting” with Trump and Macron at the Élysée Palace.

“President Trump is, as always, resolute. I thank him. I also extend my gratitude to Emmanuel for organizing this important meeting,” he wrote on social media. “We all want this war to end as soon as possible and in a just way.”

Zelenskyy said the leaders agreed to keep working together and that “peace through strength is possible.”

A musical recital is now underway at Notre Dame, featuring violinist Renaud Capuçon and cellist Gautier Capuçon, two brothers performing an interpretation of “La Passacaille” by Handel.

Enthusiastic applause erupted inside Notre Dame as firefighters entered wearing fluorescent orange uniforms and holding their shiny helmets. Also present are representatives of those who played key roles in saving the cathedral.

A video is now being played that shows the devastating fire on April 15, 2019 and the heroic firefighters who battled the fire to save the famous site.

The film also pays tribute to the “builder” who restored Notre Dame. This film is being projected on large screens outside of Notre Dame before 40,000 persons who have come to flank the Seine and participate in the opening ceremony.

The Archbishop entered Notre Dame, followed by President Macron, First Lady Brigitte Macron, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo. He shook hands with each of them as they entered the cathedral.

They were led to the front of the church by the Rector of Notre Dame, Olivier Ribadeau-Dumas.

The Archbishop knocked three times on the cathedral door with his staff, each knock followed by a response from the choir. This ritual symbolized the opening of Notre Dame for its grand reopening.

The religious procession began with priests from each Paris parish carrying banners featuring their logos, led by Archbishop Laurent Ulrich. The clergy wore liturgical capes designed by French designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. The white medieval cloaks, adorned with primary shards of color, symbolized brilliance and spirituality reaching out to the people.

Members of the public to the near he cathedral started cheering when the Notre Dame bells rang.

The bells of Notre Dame are ringing for the first time since the fire. While the eight bells were not damaged, they required cleaning and tuning. The bells now call people to church once again.

Yanis Depocko came out to watch the reopening service alone.

“My friends don’t care, so I’m alone,” the 20-year-old social media influencer laughed. 

Still, Depocko said he felt it was important to be here tonight.

“I like the story,” he said of the cathedral. “It’s a beautiful symbol of Paris.”

Depocko said he was also excited to see some of guests in attendance at the event, particularly Trump.

“He’s not afraid to speak controversially and he’s a charismatic man,” he said. “I like Trump.”

Trump arrived at Notre Dame, greeted by a handshake from Macron and a kiss for Brigitte Macron. Covered by an umbrella, he walked across the square towards the cathedral entrance, waving to the crowd. French media reported that approximately 20 security guards surrounded him.

To accommodate the large number of guests for tonight’s reopening ceremony, Notre Dame has added 200 extra seats to its usual 1,500, ensuring more space for attendees.

Zelenskyy received an enthusiastic applause when he entered the cathedral. Trump has also arrived.

Philippe Jost, a veteran French civil servant and the president of the cathedral restoration effort, and Philippe Villeneuve, the project’s chief architect, are seated for the ceremony.

Jost said world leaders who visit Paris often asked to visit the restoration worksite. He said Prince Charles dropped by, for example.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy and his wife, the singer and fashion model Carla Bruni, have arrived at the cathedral for the ceremony.

Louis Manaranche said he and his 7-year-old son, Paul, were determined to brave the cold and rain today to watch the reopening ceremony unfold.

“We are Parisians and Catholics and we were very near from here when the cathedral burned five years ago,” said Manaranche, 38, a teacher and headmaster at the nearby Catholic school Collège Stanislas Paris.

“We felt that we were living a tragedy,” he said.

Manaranche said he had secured three places for himself and his two eldest sons at an upcoming mass at the cathedral on Tuesday.

“We are very excited,” he said, as he expressed gratitude to the hundreds of people involved in the cathedral’s restoration. “We are very very grateful.”

A number of people watching the reopening ceremony outside the Notre Dame could be heard cheering as Macron appeared on the screens set up outside the cathedral.

The crowd has swelled to thousands of people lining the streets, many bundled up in winter coats and holding umbrellas.

Due to poor weather causing delays, Prince William’s meeting with first lady Jill Biden at the U.K. resident has been cancelled. Instead, he will meet her at the Notre Dame ceremony.

Here’s an interactive look at the parts of the cathedral that were destroyed in the mammoth blaze. Scroll through the page to get a closer look.

The French president and his wife, Brigitte, have arrived at the cathedral.

American carpenter Hank Silver is one of the lucky invited guests inside Notre Dame tonight. He helped rebuild the nave wooden framework of the rooftop.

Silver said there is a lot of excitement in the air. The people around him are “thrilled and emotional” to be part of this opening celebration, he added.

Elon Musk is here in Paris tonight. The tech billionaire and close Trump ally did not travel with the president-elect, according to a spokesperson for the presidential transition.

The guest list includes members of the French political elite, French millionaires and famous French actors. There are also humble representatives of every Paris parish and charities supporting the homeless or physically disabled.

Outside the Notre Dame and across the Seine, a growing crowd of admirers have gathered in a designated fan zone, braving the rain and strong winds to watch the reopening unfold on large screens erected ahead of the event.

“I’ve been watching over the last couple of years the developments the spire going up and the scaffolding coming down,” said one Paris resident, Karen Jakobson.

“It’s an incredibly beautiful building and I guess I’m glad France took it upon itself to restore it to its former glory,” said Jakobson, 58.

The outgoing French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is under an outdoor tent receiving guests as they stream into Notre Dame.

Hollywood actor Salma Hayek is inside with her husband, the French billionaire and retail magnate François-Henri Pinault, who donated 100 million euros (roughly $105 million) towards the restoration of the cathedral.

Trump, Zelenskyy, and Macron are set to meet in Paris at the Élysée Palace.

After a day of pretty nice weather here in Paris, the temperature is dropping, the clouds have rolled in and it’s starting to rain.

As the reopening service for the Notre Dame steadily approaches, here’s how the schedule for the proceedings is expected to unfold:

At around 6:15 p.m. local time (12:15 p.m. ET): Macron and French First Lady Brigitte Macron are expected to arrive on the cathedral’s forecourt, followed by heads of state and dignitaries.

At 7:30 p.m. (1:30 p.m. ET): Macron will deliver an address honoring the Notre Dame and efforts of the past five years to rebuild the iconic cathedral.

At 7:45 p.m. (1:45 p.m. ET): The reopening service, led by the Archbishop of Paris, will begin, marking the “reawakening” of the cathedral.

Just outside the Notre Dame cathedral, final preparations are underway ahead of the grand reopening. Security measures are in place, with police, gendarmerie and army personnel patrolling the area.

A cordoned off area was already in place ahead of the arrival of royals, heads of state and dignitaries, including First lLady Jill Biden, President-elect Donald Trump and Prince William.

In the hours leading up to the Notre Dame’s reopening, the famed cathedral has rarely felt more inaccessible. Police barricades and armed officers surrounded the historic site, blocking off bridges and entryways to the landmark and L’île de la Cité.

Crowds began to gather on bridges and walkways outside the security perimeter, with onlookers snapping photos and taking in the view of the cathedral before the start of the festivities.

Speaking to reporters alongside Macron, President-elect Trump said it is an “honor” to be in Paris and back with the French leader.

“We had a good time together and we had a lot of success, really great success, working together on defense and offense, too,” Trump said.

“It certainly seems like the world is going a little crazy right now, and we’ll be talking about that,” he added.

Macron welcomed Trump back to the country and said he was honored to have him in Paris, thanking the president-elect for being there.

French President Emmanuel Macron greeted President-elect Donald Trump at the entrance of Élysée Palace. The two engaged in a prolonged handshake as Trump stepped out of his car.

Macron and Trump’s meeting appeared to have been delayed by about 40 minutes, though the reason for the delay was not immediately clear. Macron, who faces a tight schedule ahead of the Notre-Dame’s reopening, is also expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy before the ceremony.

After today’s service gets underway, the Archbishop is expected to bless the Great Organ, an instrument seen by many to serve as the beating heart of the cathedral.

The Archbishop will address the great organ eight times and each time, the organ will respond in song.

Awakening the Great Organ is just the beginning of a series of ceremonial rituals marking the reopening of the Notre-Dame before the Archbishop gives his final blessing, followed by the singing of the Te Deum, an ancient Latin hymn of praise to God. 

Today’s reopening service will begin with an enchanting exchange known as the rite of the opening of the doors — a ritual marking the “reawakening” of the cathedral.

Leading the service, Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich will strike the closed door of the Notre-Dame three times with a staff crafted from charred wood salvaged from the building’s roof. In response, a choir singing Psalm 121 with each knock before the doors finally swing open.

“How joyful it was when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the Lord!’” the psalm begins.

The rite symbolizes a powerful dialogue between the archbishop and the cathedral as it reawakens after a five-year slumber.

Macron may have succeeded in meeting his five-year deadline of reopening Notre-Dame by 2024, but he can’t control the weather.

Forecasts of strong winds in Paris tonight forced a last-minute change in plans for some of the celebrations slated for this evening. Festivities initially expected to take place outside Notre-Dame, including Macron’s address, have been move inside the cathedral.

Five years after the fire that tore through Paris’ Notre Dame cathedral, destroying most of its roof and its iconic spire, the iconic Gothic landmark will reopen its doors today in an evening of celebration and ceremony.

Hundreds of people, including dignitaries like President-elect Donald Trump and First Lady Jill Biden, are expected to attend a special reopening service this evening marking the “reawakening” of the centuries-old cathedral.

Leading the service, Archbishop of Paris Laurent Ulrich will knock on the door of the Notre Dame three times, with a choir “responding” each time with singing as the city reawakens before the doors finally swing open.

The service will follow by an address from President Emmanuel Macron with royalty, heads of state and dignitaries from around the world.