St. Marien is a "jewel of brick Gothic" on the highest point of the old town island – and it urgently needs support: Due to corrosion damage in the masonry anchors, parts of the original substance of the inner shell repeatedly burst and fall off.
As a result, the safety of visitors is at risk. Additionally, in many places, the lead glazing is highly exposed and endangered – increasing the risk of water ingress and window cracks. Hence, stabilizing measures must be carried out immediately.
Since 2019, comprehensive restoration, material science, architectural history, and structural investigations have been conducted to determine the nature and scope of the necessary measures. An approximately six-year construction period is scheduled to begin in 2025 with the renovation of the spatial shell; other sections such as the nave and aisles, southern vestibule, Dance of Death Chapel, and choir chapels will follow.
2025 to 2031
28 million euros
Nearly 7 million euros
There is still a significant gap in the financing of the renovation project: Nearly seven million euros of the estimated total cost of 28 million euros are still outstanding.
Time is of the essence: Not only is there a growing risk of damage to the artworks of St. Marien, but the promise of federal funds could also be forfeited if the remaining funds are not secured in time.