The damage from the fire of April 15, 2019, has now been fully repaired, and the cathedral reopened to the public in December 2024. But Notre-Dame's restoration work is far from over. The public institution Rebuilding Notre-Dame de Paris announced this Friday, July 3, that a new phase of work, scheduled until 2033, is necessary to ensure the long-term preservation of the building. These operations, which include a dozen separate projects, are estimated at €150 million. However, no less than €130 million is still needed to finance them. "We still need the generosity of patrons and donors," declared Philippe Jost, president of the public institution, appealing for new donations on the website rebatirnotredamedeparis.fr. As a reminder, the national fundraising campaign launched after the fire raised €845 million.
The rose window on the facade, the grimy statues, and the controversial contemporary stained-glass windows
The first project in this new phase will begin in 2027 and will focus on the central rose window of the façade facing the churchyard, unchanged since the 19th century. Its restoration will address long-standing problems and repair damage caused by a hailstorm in May 2025. The north façade of the transept and its medieval statues, which are "heavily soiled," will also be restored. Another project, this one funded by the state, involves replacing six stained-glass windows in the south aisle of the nave with contemporary creations by the artist Claire Tabouret, produced by the Simon-Marq glassmaking workshop. This project has faced strong opposition: two heritage preservation associations attempted to have it suspended in court, but their request was rejected in May.
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