Welcome to the online press kit for Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris

Notre-Dame de Paris is an iconic Gothic cathedral dating back to the 12th century. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is one of the most beloved monuments in the world, visited by more than 12 million people every year before the fire.

Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization established in 2017. The group’s original mandate was to support the restoration and preservation of Notre-Dame Cathedral, which had not had major repairs since the mid-1800s. The nonprofit is the official public charity leading the cathedral’s international fundraising efforts for rebuilding and restoration.

A Renewed Commitment to Restoration

Challenges like pollution, rain, and the inferior quality of the stone used during the cathedral’s last restoration weakened the basic infrastructure, and these issues were becoming increasingly critical to address. To halt the decay, the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris formed in 2017 and launched an international fundraising campaign to raise the $135 million needed for essential renovation — on top of the $45 million budget committed by the French Government.

In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the cathedral caught fire on April 15, 2019. In the aftermath, the dedicated Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris redoubled their commitment to revitalize this international monument to hope and faith. The mission now includes rebuilding, restoring, and preserving the Notre-Dame Cathedral.

Cathedral Artifacts Provide New Paths to Public Engagement

After the fire, workers painstakingly collected the remains of any damaged parts of the cathedral building and its artworks. Each artifact is a “piece of the puzzle” awaiting restoration. Each has a unique history and story. The pieces both make up the physical environment of the cathedral and tell stories of its history and cultural relevance.

Now, a new interactive website allows visitors to learn about these numerous artifacts. Donors can engage with specific artifacts of their choosing and select which they’d like to invest in restoring. Donations can also go towards the cathedral’s restoration as a whole if a donor prefers.


Download the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris One Pager.

PRESS RELEASE 4/15/21 Two Years Post-Fire, Notre-Dame Artifacts Provide New Path for Public Engagement

Learn more at FriendsOfNotreDameDeParis.org.