The historic reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris marked a significant milestone five years after the devastating fire of 2019. Among the distinguished attendees was Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who captured attention as he participated in the momentous event. Musk’s presence, though notable, was not unexpected, as his private jet was scheduled to land at Le Bourget Airport at 3:20 PM (1420 GMT) on the same day.
A video from the event, which quickly went viral, shows Musk obliging a fan with a selfie inside the cathedral. The tech mogul later shared a breathtaking video of Notre Dame’s restored interiors, showcasing its freshly cleaned walls, updated furniture, and state-of-the-art lighting installed during the extensive restoration.
Musk’s invitation to the reopening ceremony highlighted his increasing presence on the global stage beyond the realms of technology and innovation. His participation underscored the significance of the event, which drew numerous high-profile attendees.
The reopening ceremony began with a symbolic knocking on the cathedral doors, signifying its return to the public after the tragic blaze that gutted much of its structure. Laurent Ulrich, adorned in newly designed vestments and carrying a staff crafted from one of the surviving roof beams, led the two-hour service attended by hundreds of VIPs.
This monumental occasion was attended by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who sat alongside French President Emmanuel Macron in the front row. The event marked Trump’s first international appearance even before taking office. Other notable attendees included Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Britain’s Prince William, heir to the throne.
The gathering of over 40 heads of state and government underscored the cathedral’s cultural and historical significance. Zelensky received a warm round of applause upon his entrance, reflecting global solidarity amidst Ukraine’s ongoing challenges. President Macron also hosted three-way talks with Zelensky and Trump at the Élysée Palace before the ceremony. The discussions likely centered on future U.S. military support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion.
Magnificat Cathédrale @NotreDameParis pic.twitter.com/NIqb6yNxc5
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 7, 2024
Prince William, attending in an official capacity, represented the British royal family. During his visit, he held meetings with President Trump and outgoing First Lady Jill Biden. The last recorded meeting between William and Trump occurred during the latter’s state visit to the United Kingdom in 2019. William’s previous official trip to Paris was in 2017, alongside Princess Catherine, shortly after the Brexit referendum.
BBC News broadcasting live images of global statesman Elon Musk at the opening of Notre-Dame. What a time to be alive…#NotreDame pic.twitter.com/n5mqvb4gZl
— paulusthewoodgnome 🇺🇦💙 (@woodgnomology) December 7, 2024
The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral is a testament to resilience and dedication. The meticulous restoration process revived the Gothic masterpiece’s grandeur, allowing visitors to marvel at its historical and architectural splendor once more. The event served as a poignant reminder of Notre Dame’s enduring legacy as a symbol of faith, culture, and global unity.
🃏 Elon Musk, l’homme le plus riche du monde, présent pour la réouverture de #NotreDameDeParis
Petit selfie d’une fan pic.twitter.com/9KqOyOQHFf
— DANS LA SEQUENCE (@D_La_Sequence) December 7, 2024
With world leaders and influential figures like Elon Musk present, the reopening transcended a mere architectural milestone, becoming a moment of shared celebration and hope for the future.
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