The restoration of the spire of Notre-Dame de Paris, which was severely damaged by the 2019 fire, is advancing and is expected to be visible during the Paris Olympics. Despite being surrounded by scaffolding, Philippe Jost, in charge of the restoration project, has confirmed that the structure will be prominently visible this summer, although the cathedral will remain closed to the public.

The spire, designed by architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc in the 19th century, collapsed during the devastating fire on April 15, 2019, receiving global attention. However, it has reappeared with its cross and rooster in the Paris sky, signifying that “one of the major wounds of the fire has been healed,” as stated by Philippe Jost.

The process of dismantling the scaffolding is scheduled to commence in the spring and will be sufficiently progressed by the time of the Olympic Games (July 26-August 11) to ensure that the spire is a prominent feature in the Paris skyline. Additionally, this reconstruction effort will involve closing the vault of the transept crossing and clearing the interior space of the cathedral, including rebuilding steps to support the altar. The cathedral is set to reopen on December 8, 2024.

The reconstruction of the cathedral will continue during the Olympic Games and the subsequent Paralympic Games from August 28 to September 8. However, public access to the three portals of the cathedral and the main adjacent street will be ensured in coordination with the police prefecture, according to Philippe Jost. Meanwhile, investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with accidental causes being the primary focus of the preliminary inquiry.