IN PHOTOS: Major moments at Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica
As Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica unveils its facade following a decade of reconstruction work, here's a look back at some of the moments in modern history at the famous church.
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The Societe philharmonique du Nouveau Monde (SPNM) led by conductor and artistic director Michel Brousseau play on the front steps of Notre Dame Basilica as it is officially unveiled following ten years of restoration in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
People attend the official unveiling of the facade of Notre Dame Basilica following ten years of restoration in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
People line up to attend the official unveiling of Notre Dame Basilica following ten years of restoration in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
People line up to enter Notre Dame Basilica as it is officially unveiled following ten years of restoration in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
The interior of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
The Societe philharmonique du Nouveau Monde (SPNM) led by conductor and artistic director Michel Brousseau play inside Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
A detail of the facade of Notre Dame Basilica as it is officially unveiled following ten years of restoration in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Notre Dame Basilica is officially unveiled following ten years of restoration in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Workers inspect a statue on the facade of the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal on Thursday, August, 29, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
The interior of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
The interior of Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
A construction worker walks through the scene at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, after a fire at the historic site. Police say arson investigators were at the scene this morning and determined the fire's origin was electrical. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
A worker removes charred construction equipment at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, after a fire at the historic site. Police say arson investigators were at the scene this morning and determined the fire's origin was electrical. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Charred construction equipment is shown at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, after a fire at the historic site. Police say arson investigators were at the scene this morning and determined the fire's origin was electrical. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Workers at the scene at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, after a fire at the historic site. Police say arson investigators were at the scene this morning and determined the fire's origin was electrical. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
A man walks by charred construction equipment at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, after a fire at the historic site. Police say arson investigators were at the scene this morning and determined the fire's origin was electrical. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Burn marks are shown at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, after a fire at the historic site. Police say arson investigators were at the scene this morning and determined the fire's origin was electrical. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
A pedestrian walks past Notre Dame Basilica during a snowstorm, Friday, February 7, 2020 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Christmas decorations are seen in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Thursday, Nov. 19, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Christian Lepine, Archbishop of Montreal is seen during the state funeral for former prime minister Brian Mulroney at Notre Dame Basilica, Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
The casket carrying the former prime minister Brian Mulroney is taken from St. Patricks Basilica on its way to Notre Dame Cathedral in Montreal on Saturday, March 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Peter McCabe
A child waves a Ukrainian flag during a rally in support of Ukraine outside the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Saturday, April 2, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The Tenors perform during the state funeral for former prime minister Brian Mulroney at Notre Dame Basilica, Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
The casket of former prime minister Brian Mulroney rests surrounded by family and guests at Notre Dame Basilica, during the state funeral Saturday, March 23, 2024 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
Celine Dion waves after funeral services for Rene Angelil at Notre-Dame Basilica Friday, Jan. 22, 2016 in Montreal. Angelil died Jan. 14, in Las Vegas at the age of 73. (Ryan Remiorz/The Canadian Press via AP)
Celine Dion arrives for the funeral for her late husband Rene Angelil at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal on January 22, 2016. Just weeks after Dion lost her husband Rene Angelil and older brother Daniel to cancer, the pop superstar will soon return to work. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Celine Dion watches the casket of her late husband Rene Angelil's taken away following his funeral at Notre-Dame Basilica Friday, January 22, 2016 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Celine Dion kisses the casket of her late husband after funeral services for Rene Angelil at Notre-Dame Basilica Friday, January 22, 2016 in Montreal. Angelil passed away at the age of 73 after a lengthy battle with throat cancer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Celine Dion, with sons Eddy and Nelson, and Rene-Charles Angelil, leave Notre Dame Basilica following funeral services for her late husband Rene Angelil Friday, January 22, 2016 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Celine Dion arrives with sons Eddy and Nelson for the funeral for her late husband Rene Angelil at Notre-Dame Basilica Friday, January 22, 2016 in Montreal. Angelil passed away at the age of 73 after a lengthy battle with throat cancer. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
A woman lights a candle during mass at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Friday, April 19 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stops for selfies as Premier of Quebec Philippe Couillard and Mayor Coderreas look as they walk to the Notre-Dame Basilica to attend a mass marking the 375th anniversary of the founding of Montreal on Wednesday May 17, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
The Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks at the Notre-Dame Basilica to mark the 375th anniversary of the founding of Montreal on Wednesday May 17, 2017. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Chantal Renaud, wife of former Quebec Premier Bernard Landry, follows the casket of her husband into the Notre Dame Basilica for a day of visitation in Montreal on Monday, November 12, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Former Quebec premiers Lucien Bouchard, centre, and Jean Charest, second right, and current Quebec Premier Francois Legault attend the funeral of former Quebec premier Bernard Landry at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Mourners wave flags as the hearse leaves after funeral services for former Quebec premier Bernard Landry at Notre-Dame Basilica, Tuesday, November 13, 2018 in Montreal. Landry passed away last week at the age of 81.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Widow Chantal Renaud receives condolences from Archbishop Lepine at the funeral of former Quebec premier Bernard Landry at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal on Tuesday, November 13, 2018. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Quebec Premier Philippe Couillard tours the Napoleon exhibit on display at the Notre Dame Basilica Friday, May 30, 2014 in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
A bust of Napoleon is displayed at the Napoleon exhibit at Notre-Dame Basilica Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Montreal. The Treasures of Napoleon: A Rendez-Vous with History, opens in Montreal in mid-May and runs through Sept. 1. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Napoleon's collapsable campaign bed and travelling box are displayed at the Napoleon exhibit at Notre-Dame Basilica Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Montreal. The Treasures of Napoleon: A Rendez-Vous with History, opens in Montreal in mid-May and runs through Sept. 1. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
A hat that belonged to Napoleon is displayed at the Napoleon exhibit at Notre-Dame Basilica Thursday, April 24, 2014 in Montreal. The Treasures of Napoleon: A Rendez-Vous with History, opens in Montreal in mid-May and runs through Sept. 1. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
A caleche rides in front of the Notre Dame Basilica Tuesday, September 5, 2017 in Montreal. City officials in Montreal were checking to see if new regulations were violated after a horse tied to a carriage collapsed in the street on Monday. Witnesses say the horse was able to get back on its feet after about 10 minutes. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Doves are released following the funeral of Claude Leveillee outside the Basilica Notre Dame in Montreal, Saturday, June 18, 2011, as his sister Emma Leveillee, right (in wheelchair), and Samuel Paquin, (child in checked shirt), look on. Leveillee, who rose to international stardom in the early 1960s after penning songs for Edith Piaf, died Thursday June 9, 2011. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The statue of Paul de Chomedy de Maisonneuve is remounted on its pedestal as part of the refurbishing of Place D'Armes in front of Notre Dame Basilica Thursday, November 4, 2010 in Montreal.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz
Notre Dame Basilica is seen during a commemorative ceremony for businessman Paul Desmarais Tuesday, December 3, 2013 in Montreal. Desmarais, founder and chairman of Power Corporation, died on October 8, 2013 at the age of 86. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A mass is celebrated in solidarity with the Archdiocese of Paris, following yesterday's fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. The Montreal basilica is inspired by the famed Paris cathedral. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
A woman light a candle during a mass celebrated in solidarity with the Archdiocese of Paris following yesterday's fire at Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal on Tuesday, April 16, 2019. The Montreal basilica is inspired by the famed Paris cathedral. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Celine Dion and husband Rene Angelil hold thier son Rene-Charles as photographers try to get a picture before a baptism ceremony in Montreal's Notre Dame Basilica Wednesday, July 25, 2001. The ceremony for six-month-old Rene-Charles combined a baptism, confirmation and first communion. It took place in the same church where Dion and Angelil were married in 1994. (CP PHOTO/Andre Forget)
A painting of jazz bassist Charles Biddle, who died of cancer this week, sits before family and friends during funeral ceremonies at Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal Saturday Feb. 8, 2003. Biddle was 76. (CP PHOTO/Andre Forget)
Choir members sing next to a painting of jazz bassist Charles Biddle, who died of cancer this week, during funeral ceremonies at Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal Saturday Feb. 8, 2003. Biddle was 76. (CP PHOTO/Andre Forget)
Justin Trudeau delivers a eulogy for his late father Pierre Trudeau during the state funeral for the former prime minister at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000. Trudeau first caught the public heartstrings in October 2000, when he delivered a moving, deeply felt eulogy for his legendary father, weaving an emotional spell from inside the cavernous Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson
Justin Trudeau (bottom), sitting next to his mother Margaret and brother Alexandre (Sacha) Trudeau, wipes his eyes during the state funeral for his father, former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000. (CP PHOTO/Paul Chiasson)
Justin Trudeau leans over his father's casket on his way to delivering a eulogy as Cuban President Fidel Castro looks on during the state funeral for former prime minister Pierre Trudeau at Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal, Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000. (CP PHOTO/Paul Chiasson)
Funeral services are celebrated for former prime minister Pierre Trudeau Tuesday, Oct. 3, 2000 inside Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal. (CP PHOTO/Paul Chiasson)
Alexandre (Sacha) Trudeau (left) and Justin Trudeau look on as the casket of their father and former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau is brought into Montreal City Hall Monday, October 2, 2000. Funeral services for Trudeau will be held at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal Tuesday. (CP PHOTO/Andre Forget)
Paul Ryan, centre, follows the casket of his father, former Quebec Liberal party leader Claude Ryan, out of Notre-Dame Basilica after funeral services in Montreal Friday, Feb. 13, 2004. Ryan passed away at the age of 79 after a battle with stomach cancer. (CP PHOTOS/ Ryan Remiorz)
Standing in front of the Notre-Dame Basilica, Claude Henri Breton cheers during the Saint-Jean-Baptiste parade on Notre-Dame street in Old Montreal Friday June 24, 2005 in Montreal. (CP PHOTO/David Boily)
Patrick Marleau wears his father's fire helmet as he follows his casket out of Notre Dame Basilica after a civic funeral in Montreal on Thursday, January 26, 2006. The veteran firefighter died fighting a fire in Montreal North on Saturday. (CP PHOTO/Ian Barrett)
Chantelle Ball weeps as she is led away from Notre Dame Basilica after a civic funeral in Montreal on Thursday, January 26, 2006. Her husband, Capt. Marcel Marleau, died fighting a fire in Montreal North on Saturday. More than 4,000 firfighters attended the funeral. (CP PHOTO/Ian Barrett)
Fireman Andre Goulet, left, cries as he carries his captain's Marcel Marleau's fire helmet into Notre Dame Basilica for a civic funeral on Thursday, January 26, 2006. Capt. Marleau died Saturday while fighting a fire in Montreal North. (CP PHOTO/ Ian Barrett)
Quebecers and separatists wait outside with Quebec liberation signs during the Pierre Bourgault funeral at the Notre Dame Basilique of Montreal June 21 2003 in Montreal. Several hundred people filled the Notre-Dame Basilica on Saturday to bid a final farewell to Bourgault, a fiery orator who helped ignite the Quebec sovereigntist movement in the 1960s. (CP PHOTO - Andre Pichette)
Quebec Premier Liberal Jean Charest applaud with Former Quebec PQ premier Bernard Landry, Chantal Renaud and Former PQ Quebec Lucien Bouchard (left to right) at the Pierre Bourgault funeral at the Notre Dame Basilique of Montreal June 21 2003 in Montreal. Several hundred people filled the Notre-Dame Basilica on Saturday to bid a final farewell to Bourgault, a fiery orator who helped ignite the Quebec sovereigntist movement in the 1960s. (CP PHOTO - Andre Pichette)
People listen to a memorial service at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002 to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States. (CP PHOTO/Ryan Remiorz)
Police and firefighters listen to a memorial service at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002 to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States. (CP PHOTO/Ryan Remiorz)
Montreal firefighter Luc Mignaud plays Taps at the end of a memorial service at the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2002 to mark the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks against the United States. (CP PHOTO/Ryan Remiorz)
A person uses a GPS to locate Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal Tuesday, April 30, 2008. Geography is finding its place in social networking on the Internet as websites focus on places that connect people, and as GPS technology becomes more common among consumers. THE CANADIAN PRESS\\ Ryan Remiorz
A mosaic fragment of Saint Peter is shown in Montreal Monday, June 13, 2005. They are part of more than 300 objects from the Vatican in an exhibit about the history of the papacy called, Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes, on display in the crypt of the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. (CP PHOTO/Paul Chiasson)
Two urns used in the last century's conclaves and used recently to elect Pope Benedict XVI, are shown Monday , June 13, 2005 in Montreal. The two urns are part of more than 300 objects from the Vatican in an exhibit about the history of the papacy called, Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes, on display in the crypt of the Notre-Dame Basilica in Old Montreal. (CP PHOTO/Paul Chiasson)
Rufus Wainwright is kissed by his sister Martha Wainwright following the funeral of their mother, Canadian folk singer Kate McGarrigle at the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Monday, Feb. 01, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
The coffin bearing the remains of Canadian folk singer Kate McGarrigle is carried from the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Monday, Feb. 01, 2010, following her funeral. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
Members of the Duplessis Orphans group demonstrate outside the Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, Friday, April 2, 2010 where they called for an apology from the catholic church and for more compensation for sexual abuse victims.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
A woman prays as she listens to funeral services for Maurice (Rocket) Richard outside the Notre Dame Basilica Wednesday, May 31, 2000 in Montreal. Thousands of hockey fans said goodbye to a hero Wednesday after an emotional funeral ceremony for Richard, whose on-ice exploits thrilled the whole country. (CP PHOTO/Ryan Remiorz)
Former Canadiens players Butch Bouchard, Ken Mosdell, son Maurice Richard Jr., Jean Beliveau, Dickie Moore and Henri Richard, left to right, follow the casket of Maurice (Rocket) Richard as it leaves Notre Dame Basilica following funeral services Wednesday, May 31, 2000 in Montreal. (CP PHOTO/Ryan Remiorz)
The funeral procession for Maurice (Rocket) Richard makes its way down Ste-Catherine Street on its way to Notre Dame Basilica for funeral services Wednesday, May 31, 2000 in Montreal. Thousands of hockey fans said goodbye to a hero Wednesday after an emotional funeral ceremony for Richard, whose on-ice exploits thrilled the whole country. (CP PHOTO/Andre Forget)
The crowd cheers as the hearse leaves Notre Dame Basilica following funeral services for Maurice (Rocket) Richard Wednesday, May 31, 2000 in Montreal.Thousands of hockey fans said goodbye to a hero Wednesday after an emotional funeral ceremony for Richard, whose on-ice exploits thrilled the whole country. (CP PHOTO/Andre Forget)
Prime Minister Jean Chretien expresses his emotion while sitting next to Quebec Premier Lucien Bouchard during funeral services at Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal, on Monday Aug 16, 1999 for former Montreal Mayor Jean Drapeau.(CP PHOTO/Tom Hanson)
Caskets of the women slain at University of Montreal are on display at Notre Dame Basilica as services are held for nine of the fourteen muredered students Monday Dec. 11, 1989. (CP PICTURE ARCHIVE/Paul Chiasson)
Nine hearses, a flower car, and various passenger vehicules wait outside Notre Dame Basilica Monday, Dec. 11, 1989 at the funeral of nine women killed by gunman at University of Montreal last Wednesday. (CP PHOTO) 1999 (Tom Hanson)
Nine hearses, a flower car, and various passenger vehicles wait outside Notre Dame Basilica Monday, Dec. 11, 1989 at the funeral of nine women killed by gunman at University of Montreal last Wednesday. (CP PICTURE ARCHIVE/Tom Hanson)
Pope John Paul II holds hands with a group of children as part of the precedings during a special meeting with children at Notre Dame Basilica in Montreal Tuesday, Sept. 11, 1984. (CP PHOTO/Foggia)
Pope John Paul II is surrounded by a gathering of school children reaching out to touch him at Notre Dame Basilica on September 11, 1984. (CP PHOTO/Andy Clark)
Officials in Ottawa takes time to honor the memory of Pierre Laporte at the Notre Dame Basilica. Governor-General Roland Michener (left foreground), read the lesson for the service for the slain Quebec labor minister. Mrs. Michener sits with her husband. Also attending were former prime minister John Diefenbaker and Mrs. Diefenbaker (fourth row beside camera crew); Senator Paul Martin, Government House leader in the Senate; (sixth row); Justice Minister John Turner and Finance Minister Edgar Benson (eighth row). (CP Wirephoto)
