Reinstalling Stained Glass Windows

The Basilica’s beautiful clerestory stained glass windows, which tell the story of Mary’s life, are being restored as part of the comprehensive restoration project. Each bay of windows is carefully removed and transported in crates to the Femenella & Associates studio in New Jersey, where damaged glass and leading are repaired. Every window receives a detailed inspection and thorough cleaning before being shipped back to Minneapolis.

Once repaired, glaziers from Northeast Stained Glass carefully reinstall each panel from the 75-foot scaffolding structure. This meticulous, labor-intensive process is repeated for each window throughout The Basilica.

Photos: Ken Fournelle