The exterior of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France that partially opened its doors on Friday, after being closed for more than 5.5 years.
On April 15, 2019, the French people and the world were shocked when a fierce fire broke out at the Notre Dame Cathedral, causing the spire and most of the dome of the 850-year-old structure to collapse.
At that time, French President Emmanuel Macron set an ambitious goal of rebuilding the cathedral within 5 years, "even more beautiful than before".
The facade of Notre Dame Cathedral on November 29.
France has mobilized about 250 companies and hundreds of experts to carry out the restoration process at a total cost of more than US$750 million.
The cathedral has received $895 million in donations from 150 countries for the restoration.
French President Emmanuel Macron takes in the restored interiors of the Notre-Dame de Paris, Nov. 29, 2024, in Paris.
People stroll in Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral while French President Emmanuel Macron visits the restored interiors the monument, Nov.29, 2024 in Paris.
Attendees including workers of reconstruction of Notre-Dame de Paris cathedral gather during a speech by French President Emmanuel Macron in the nave of the cathedral in Paris, on Nov. 29, 2024.
A new fire sprinkler system control panel
The cathedral will reopen to tourists and Catholics from Dec. 7.
Before the fire, Notre Dame welcomed 12 million visitors in 2017. French officials expected that number to increase to 14-15 million after the restoration.
