Working together for success: community involvement secures millions in funding for Lübeck’s World Heritage Site
The federal government is providing 20.5 million euros in funding for the restoration of St Mary’s Church and Lübeck Cathedral – this funding has been made possible by a substantial contribution from the 7Türme+ Foundation, raised through community involvement.
Lübeck, 14 July 2026 – The comprehensive restoration of two outstanding church buildings in Lübeck’s old town, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, has been secured: Dr Wolfram Weimer, Minister of State for Culture, presented the crucial funding approval letters to the Regional Bishop of the Nordkirche, Kristina Kühnbaum-Schmidt, as well as to Senior Pastor Robert Pfeifer (St Mary’s, Lübeck) and to Pastor Margrit Wegner and Pastor Martin Klatt (both of Lübeck Cathedral). Other representatives from the worlds of politics and culture attended the event.
7Türme+ Foundation: Civic engagement as the ‘crowning glory’
For the 7Türme+ Foundation, this day marks an important milestone, preceded by a long period of preparatory work. Ralf Nagel, Chair of the 7Türme+ Foundation Board, explains the significance: “Civic engagement has made it possible for the funding of 20.5 million euros – 6.5 million for the cathedral and 14 million for St Mary’s – to be put to good use. We have covered a large part of the total costs for the restoration together with, amongst others, major donors, female donors and other foundations. This civic engagement is channelled through the 7Türme+ Foundation – as the ‘spire’, so to speak, of a joint endeavour.” Nagel emphasises: “I am delighted about this day and would like to thank everyone who has worked towards this goal. The commitment was just as outstanding as our seven towers.”
Minister for Culture Dr Stenke: “Preserving this heritage is our shared responsibility”
Minister for Culture Dr Dorit Stenke is also delighted with the funding and the shared commitment: “The seven towers are part of Lübeck’s distinctive skyline.
They form a significant part of our cultural heritage in Schleswig-Holstein. With federal funding, the restoration work on St Mary’s and the Cathedral can be taken further, thereby preserving two outstanding church buildings within Lübeck’s UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is made possible by the federal government, the state, the Church, the 7Türme+ Foundation and private support. The state of Schleswig-Holstein has supported the foundation as a co-founder from the very beginning, because one thing is clear: preserving this heritage is our shared responsibility.”
Member of the Bundestag Klüssendorf: “Millions in funding is the result of a joint effort”
“The federal funding for St Mary’s and the Cathedral is fantastic news for Lübeck – and the result of a long joint effort. Without the people of Lübeck, our efforts before the Bundestag’s Budget Committee would not have been so successful. When the full funding had to be secured, thousands donated, making the funding possible in the first place. With this decision, the federal government is also recognising this wonderful sense of community among Lübeck’s citizens.”
Saving the Seven Towers: “Every donation, every contribution brings us closer to this goal”
The Chair of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees also emphasised that this funding would now make it possible to begin the urgently needed restoration work – the renovation of the cathedral’s twin towers and the refurbishment of the interior of St Mary’s Church. At the same time, however, the Foundation still has a great deal of work ahead of it: “The 7Türme+ Foundation focuses on all seven towers in Lübeck’s old town, as well as the associated buildings.” Considerable commitment is still required to preserve them as key symbols of cultural history. “Preserving the seven towers is a task for the ages – which is why it is now more important than ever to continue steadfastly along the path we have chosen. Every donation, every contribution brings us closer to this goal.”