Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris has been closed for reconstruction since a fire in 2018. The recent restoration of Notre Dame is on track with the targets set by French President Emmanuel Macron after the fire and in time for the 2024 summer Olympic Games in Paris.

Notre Dame is well on its way to reopening as planned by the end of 2024, about six years after the fire that destroyed its roof.

Authorities chose to rebuild the masterpiece of 12th century Gothic art exactly as it was, including a 96-metre-high 19th century bell tower designed by architect Essen Violette le Duc.

The iconic spire, a symbol of the impending completion of the restoration, will also be reshaped this year, rising slightly above the Paris monument.

Meanwhile, in an underground facility opposite the cathedral, an exhibition titled "Notre Dame: The Heart of a Construction Site" recently opened to visitors. Visitors can get an up-close feel for the work being done and the expertise and skills of the workers and artisans working on the reconstruction, and display some of the artwork that survived the fire. In addition to free Tours, there are VR shows that give paying visitors an insight into the cathedral's history.

However, Culture Minister Rima Abdel Malak clarified to the Associated Press that the renovation would not be completed in 2024, adding that "there will be more in 2025."