From Crisis to Opportunity: Private Sector Engagement and Financial Sustainability in the Restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris

This study examines the financial sustainability of cultural heritage projects through the case of Notre-Dame de Paris restoration following the 2019 fire. Unlike France's traditional model of direct state intervention in cultural funding, the restoration project was primarily financed through private donations. This shift in funding structure raises questions about the long-term viability of introduce, or even rely on private support in heritage fundraising. Through documentary analysis on secondary data and semi-structured interviews, this research explores both the short-term benefits and the long-term challenges of this approach. The findings highlight that while private donations provided immediate financial relief, they also require transparent governance, effective communication with the public, and thoughtful donor engagement. The Notre-Dame case demonstrates that financial sustainability in heritage projects involves more than securing funds, it requires building trust, protecting professional autonomy, and fostering inclusive, people-centered management practices. This study contributes to broader discussions on how public and private sectors can collaborate to support cultural heritage in contemporary social and financial contexts