Notre Dame Cathedral is set to reopen this weekend following extensive renovations by over 1,200 artisans aimed at restoring the 12th-century structure after the devastating fire in April 2019. The grand reopening will be marked by two days of celebrations attended by about 50 global leaders and dignitaries, with a prominent focus on the cathedral’s majestic art, rich history, and sacred rituals. A key highlight of the festivities will be the cathedral’s grand organ, consisting of approximately 8,000 pipes.
Olivier Latry, who has served as the cathedral’s principal organist for the past 40 years, was the last person to play the organ before the fire on Palm Sunday 2019. He shared his emotional recollections of learning about the fire while on a concert tour in Vienna. Concerned for the structure, he rushed back to Paris with his wife, and although initially scared to witness the damage, he found solace in a blooming tree that obscured the sight of the destruction. “It was as if Notre Dame was telling us, ‘I was there 850 years ago. I will be there in a thousand years,’” Latry reflected.
The grand organ has roots dating back to the 14th century, with a major upgrade in 1730. Some pipes of the current organ are thought to date back to the 1400s. Christian Lutz, a master organ builder, expressed the collective joy felt during the restoration when they discovered the Grand Organ remained intact despite the ravages of the fire. It had endured without burning or being damaged by firemen’s efforts to contain the blaze.
The restoration process was meticulous; the organ was carefully dismantled, cleaned, and restored before being reinstalled in the cathedral. Latry participated in intensive late-night sessions to ensure that the instrument harmonized perfectly within the cathedral’s unique acoustics, now praised for reverberating sound for eight full seconds due to its pristine stonework.
Latry described the instrument as a “sound mirror” reflecting the cathedral’s architecture, playing a vital role in its liturgical function. A special ceremony to bless the organ is planned for Saturday evening, where the archbishop will “wake up” the organ with specific commands, prompting Latry to improvise in response. He noted that this interactive session is a key part of an organist’s vocation: to embody the voice and spirit of the cathedral.
Despite the tragic fire that almost claimed the historic structure, the upcoming reopening represents resilience and renewal for Notre Dame, reaffirming the cathedral’s enduring legacy and cultural significance. The event is not just a celebration of restoration but a moment of hope, unity, and continuity for all who cherish this historic symbol of faith and heritage.