Europe's ancient monuments - who pays for the upkeep?

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If there was any comfort to be taken from the tragic fire to befall one of Europe's great landmarks and Paris' most-visited, it was the speed at which the call for help was answered.

With Notre-Dame still smouldering, French President Emmanuel Macron promised to rebuild the great cathedral and called for donors. Pledges came flooding in. France's luxury industry led the way, with Mr Bernard Arnault, the billionaire founder of the LVMH fashion conglomerate, promising €200 million (S$306 million) and Mr Francois Pinault of rival fashion group Kering pledging €100 million. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo offered money from city coffers and promised to organise an international donor conference.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on April 18, 2019, with the headline Europe's ancient monuments - who pays for the upkeep?. Subscribe