10 hours Ago
When Notre Dame Cathedral burned on April 15, 2019, the world held its breath. Flames engulfed the centuries-old structure, toppling its iconic spire and leaving a gaping wound in the heart of Paris. The devastating fire was more than a loss to architecture; it was a cultural tragedy, a reminder of how fragile even the most enduring symbols can be.
Today, nearly five years later, Notre Dame is rising from the ashes. With its grand reopening set for December 8, the cathedral’s restoration has become a testament to resilience, blending ancient craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Through exclusive access granted to National Geographic , photographer Tomas van Houtryve captured this monumental effort, offering a profound glimpse into one of history’s most ambitious restoration projects.
I had an opportunity to chat with Tomas about the experience, and learn about some of the unique challenges he encountered trying to capture this massive effort. A Historic and Cultural Touchstone Notre Dame has stood at the center of Paris since the 12th century, its towering spires and stained glass windows symbolizing the pinnacle of Gothic architecture. Beyond its physical grandeur, the cathedral holds deep cultural and spiritual significance.
It has hosted pivotal moments, from Napoleon’s coronation to the liberation of Paris in World War II, standing as a witness to centuries of human history. “When the fire happened, it felt like the hair on the back of every Parisian’s neck stood up,” recalled van Houtryve. “We had all taken for granted that Notre Dame was eternal.
That night, it felt like a piece of our cultural soul was burning.” The fire destroyed the roof, wooden framework, and spire, while threatening irreplaceable treasures within. Yet, amid the devastation, key artifacts like the Crown of Thorns and the rose windows were saved, fueling hope for restoration.
Capturing History in the Making For van Houtryve, documenting the restoration was both an honor and a responsibility. “It felt like being invited into the operating room at the hospital when Grandma was sick — a crucial moment in our cultural lives,” he said. National Geographic’s partnership with Rebâtir Notre-Dame de Paris granted him rare access to the worksite, allowing him to witness history in the making.
One of the most moving moments for van Houtryve came early in the process. “Standing on a hydraulic crane above the gaping hole where the spire once stood was unforgettable,” he recounted. “It was like staring into the eye of a monster.
But on my most recent visit, seeing that hole closed with vaulted ceilings — it felt like watching a wound heal.” The Restoration: Craftsmanship Meets Innovation The effort to restore Notre Dame is a delicate dance between honoring its medieval origins and integrating modern advancements. Craftspeople have painstakingly recreated its wooden framework using 1,000-year-old oak trees, while masons have matched medieval stonework with incredible precision.
Technology has played a vital role in the process. Engineers used 3D scanning to map the damaged structure, while drones provided intricate views of the interior. Van Houtryve embraced a similar duality in his work, combining traditional and modern photographic techniques.
“Flying drones indoors was nerve-wracking,” he said. “Without GPS, you have to constantly pilot it manually. One wrong move, and I could damage something irreplaceable.
My palms were sweating every time.” In a nod to history, van Houtryve also used a 19th-century wooden camera and portable darkroom to capture glass plate photographs. “The last major restoration of Notre Dame happened in the 19th century, so using that camera felt like creating a bridge between past and present.
” Overcoming Challenges in the Field Photographing inside Notre Dame came with unique hurdles. High lead contamination required van Houtryve to wear hazmat suits and respirators, while the site’s extreme heights tested his skills. Fortunately, his background in rock climbing and specialized training with rope-access technicians prepared him for the demands.
“I basically threw every visual skill I’ve ever learned at this project,” he reflected. “From architectural photography to historic wet plate processing, it was all necessary to do the story justice.” A Global Call to Preserve Cultural Heritage For van Houtryve, the restoration of Notre Dame carries a universal message about the importance of preserving cultural and natural heritage.
“Moments like the fire remind us how much these landmarks matter to us and how easily we take them for granted,” he said. “When you truly care about something, it’s amazing to see what can be done to save it.” He hopes his photographs inspire a renewed commitment to conservation efforts worldwide.
“Looking at Notre Dame, we see what’s possible when restoration and preservation efforts come together. It’s a reminder that we can apply the same dedication to our cultural monuments as we can to natural ones.” A Vision Restored As Notre Dame prepares to reopen, its transformation is a testament to human resilience and ingenuity.
From the meticulous work of master craftspeople to the innovative technologies guiding the effort, the cathedral stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when we rally around our shared heritage. For van Houtryve, the restored cathedral holds a profound lesson. “An old cathedral doesn’t have to look worn-out.
When it was first built, it looked new and clean — and that’s how it looks again now. It’s a reminder that with enough care and commitment, we can restore even the most fragile treasures.” Notre Dame’s story is far from over.
As its doors reopen, it welcomes the world to witness not just its resurgence but the enduring power of collective human effort to rebuild, preserve, and protect what matters most..
