Built in the 12th century, modified in the 18th century, and restored in the 19th century, it is the symbol of Christian worship in Paris through the centuries. Source.
Five years after the catastrophic fire that left the world mourning one of its most iconic landmarks (April 15, 2019), Notre-Dame de Paris is officially back. The grand reopening on December 8, 2024, feels like the perfect metaphor for our times—fragile yet determined, scarred but standing tall, and impatient: check out this snappy YouTube reel of remarkable 50-second storytelling.
The reopening ceremony (watch it here) features an all-star musician lineup, including ones from the classical world such as Lang Lang, Dudamel, Yo-Yo Ma—and even Pop royalty Pharrell Williams is there to sing Happy—though somebody pointed out that he might be lip-syncing (see here). Let’s just say the program is more ceremonial than innovatively artistic—Mozart, Saint-Saens, of courase Bach and Beethoven… Paris has so many brilliant, experimental artists who could have brought fresh vibrance—so why lean on the old guard?
Of course, President Macron’s official photographer deserves an award, again:
Clearly, Notre-Dame isn’t the only thing on display—see Macron, Trump, and Zelensky in a chat before the ceremony.