PARIS – As Paris looks to restore its iconic cathedral to its former glory, it appears funding won’t be an issue.
French cosmetics company L’Oréal, along with The Bettencourt Meyers family and the Bettencourt Schueller Foundation, have said they will donate 200 million euros ($226 million) to the restoration efforts.
That puts the amount of donations so far from French tycoons and businesses, confirmed by CNN, at 601 million euros ($679 million).
That total doesn’t include money from the city of Paris and the French government.
Workers remove precious artworks from the cathedral.
Prayers were said at Bishopthorpe Chapel this morning as our thoughts are with all those working tirelessly in Paris to save & salvage what they can #NotreDame
— John Sentamu (@JohnSentamu) April 16, 2019
Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has tweeted a video of artworks being carefully removed from Notre Dame and taken away for preservation and protection.
Items rescued from the blaze include the Crown of Thorns, which some believe was placed on the head of Jesus during the crucifixion, and the linen Tunic of St Louis.
The works are being sent to Paris City Hall and to the Louvre museum for safekeeping.
