While work continues on stabilizing Notre Dame's massive gothic structure, the Paris Catholic archdiocese is starting a fund-raising drive of its own, looking to raise €5-6 million for interior restoration and modernization.
That work is separate from the structural restoration of the building, and would cover restoration of damaged or smoke-affected church artifacts as well as carrying out a plan to update the tour layout for the six million visitors each year as well as new furniture and lighting and sound systems. The plan also includes new artworks, donated either by patrons or artists.
The church's drive is separate from the restoration of the 13th-century monument that was nearly destroyed by the April 15, 2019 fire. Like most churches in France, the building is property of the French state, and the church is its tenant. A law passed just after the fire bans use of funds raised for restoring the building could be used only for structural restoration and conservation.
That work is about to pass a landmark: within the next couple of months the work, which has focused on stabilizing and consolidating the structure will shift to the long task of restoration. Enough of that work is expected to be completed in time for at least some regular worship and perhaps limited visiting by the 2024 Paris Olympics.
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