The new stained-glass windows, designed by Prof. Markus Lüpertz, were officially unveiled in the east choir of Naumburg Cathedral.
In a moving service held on 29 June 2026 in the east choir of Naumburg Cathedral, four new artistic stained-glass windows, based on designs by the internationally renowned artist Prof. Markus Lüpertz, were unveiled. This marks the realisation of a moment that goes far beyond a mere architectural addition: the east choir, a space of stone, glass and prayer that has evolved over the centuries, has been given a new artistic voice that will leave a lasting mark.
What had been a visible discord in the choir’s collection of stained-glass windows since the late 16th century has now been transformed into a new arrangement that is powerful and expressive, whilst remaining deeply integrated into the historic architecture.
Whilst six windows in the east choir date from the 14th, 15th and 19th centuries and, as part of extensive restoration work, have been restored to their former colourful splendour by 2021, two large longitudinal windows had for a long time been fitted only with plain, light-coloured glazing and were draped, after their original stained-glass windows had been lost, partly due to the effects of the weather.
Thanks to the generous support of the GETEC Foundation and the Dr Harald Hack Foundation, as well as the outstanding artistic designs by Prof. Markus Lüpertz and the masterful execution by the Derix Taunusstein glass workshop, this unsatisfactory situation has now been resolved.
The result is four new windows which not only complement the east choir but also allow it to be experienced anew in its entirety: as a multi-layered space in which the themes of damnation and redemption now unfold in a powerful and vividly colourful manner.
The Director of the United Cathedral Foundations, Dr Holger Kunde, is delighted: „The design and the interplay of colours are of outstanding artistic quality and have a remarkable impact on the space. Markus Lüpertz has succeeded, in a most impressive manner, in uniting the historic stained-glass windows of the east choir with the new windows to create a total work of art.“
Heidelinde Gerhold, Chair of the GETEC Foundation, emphasises: „Culture brings people together across generations. The new windows in the east choir of Naumburg Cathedral not only create fascinating spaces of light and colour, but also open up new ways of engaging with a significant part of our cultural heritage. As the GETEC Foundation, we want to help ensure that historic sites remain vibrant and continue to inspire future generations. That is why we are supporting this extraordinary project with great conviction.“
Dr Karl Gerhold, philanthropist and entrepreneur, explains: „Great buildings tell the story of their time – and that story can continue to be written today. The new glazing in the east choir is a prime example of how contemporary art can enrich historic architecture without it losing its identity. Markus Lüpertz has succeeded in creating a powerful artistic statement that will leave a lasting mark on Naumburg Cathedral. Projects such as this require courage, quality and a long-term perspective – values that are particularly important to us as patrons.“
Professor Dr Michael Göring, representative of the Dr Harald Hack Foundation, says: „Markus Lüpertz’s new windows complete the artistic and religious arc that now stretches from the High Gothic style of the east choir, through the windows dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries, right up to the present day. The cathedral is a historic monument, yet it is also a church for us today, something that Lüpertz expresses wonderfully in his windows. The Dr Harald Hack Foundation was very pleased to support the artistic re-glazing of the four windows in the east choir.“
Prof. Markus Lüpertz himself describes the special significance of his work for Naumburg Cathedral in these words: „I am proud and happy to be able to make my contribution in such a vast, impressive space. For a living artist, it is something of a crowning achievement.“
Rainer Robra, Minister of State and Minister for Culture of the State of Saxony-Anhalt, praises the completed project: „Saxony-Anhalt boasts a rich cultural landscape. Preserving and developing this landscape requires the involvement of many people. Alongside the state and local authorities, private commitment and foundations play a vital role here. A good example of this is the new stained-glass windows in the east choir of Naumburg Cathedral. They also demonstrate that heritage conservation is not merely about preservation, but can also enable responsible development. These windows lend Naumburg Cathedral a striking artistic touch that will have a lasting impact well into the future and highlights the richness of Saxony-Anhalt’s cultural heritage in a special way. For this, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the magnificent artist Prof. Dr Markus Lüpertz and the sponsors from the GETEC Foundation and the Dr Harald Hack Foundation.“
The Dean of the United Cathedral Chapter, Prof. Dr Jörg Ulrich, explains: „Markus Lüpertz has given an artistically striking interpretation of the theme of „Damnation and Salvation“. The images and colours are vivid and powerful. Anyone who has hitherto been unable to believe that humanity needs salvation can now see for themselves in Naumburg Cathedral. But they will also see that „salvation“ is not an empty word, but something that comes to us with power and is bestowed upon us.“
The new windows complete the artistic and religious narrative that has evolved over the centuries in the east choir of Naumburg Cathedral: from the Romanesque choir square through the Gothic extension of the choir apse, from the medieval stained-glass windows and the 19th-century additions to the expressive visual language of a contemporary artist. The cathedral thus remains what it has been for centuries – an outstanding architectural monument, a precious space of remembrance and a living church – whilst at the same time being enriched by a new, distinctive layer that will now shape it forever.
What is particularly striking is that the new windows do not simply stand alongside the historic structure as a mere addition, but rather place the entire east choir within a new, intimate, colourful and spiritually charged context. As daylight streams through the glass panes, the space is constantly transformed depending on the time of day, the weather and the angle of the light: colours begin to glow anew on the stone within the space, giving it a completely fresh atmosphere.
For centuries, the east choir was the liturgical centre of Naumburg Cathedral. To this day, the church’s high altar is situated here. It brings together the Romanesque austerity of the 13th century and the Gothic grandeur of the 14th century, the medieval choir stalls with their extraordinary forms, and the impressive late works of the Naumburg Master. With the installation of new artistic stained-glass windows, this significant space is now given a new contemporary presence, without losing its history.
The four new windows by Prof. Markus Lüpertz are therefore not only an artistic event of national significance, but also a powerful symbol of the fact that great historic buildings remain alive when they are reimagined with care, respect, courage and the highest standards of quality. In the east choir of Naumburg Cathedral, a total work of art has been created that unites past and present, stone and light, faith and art, memory and the future with a rare intensity.
Background
The east choir of Naumburg Cathedral is one of the cathedral’s most significant architectural features. It combines Romanesque and Gothic architecture, medieval décor and a collection of stained-glass windows dating from the 14th to the 21st century. As part of the stained-glass restoration project at Naumburg Cathedral, the historic stained-glass windows of the east choir were extensively restored between 2019 and early 2021.
The historic windows of the east choir include, amongst others, the Virgin Mary window and the Virgin window from the 14th century, the Passion and Symbol windows from the 15th century, and the St Peter and St Paul windows from the 19th century. With the replacement of the glazing in these four windows, based on designs by Prof. Markus Lüpertz, this significant heritage is now being brought into the present day.
Window in the east choir of Naumburg Cathedral_Design_Markus Lüpertz_Photo_Ralf Maier_rique lame photography
