10Sep

Moving the Interior Scaffolding

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A team of engineering and scaffolding experts designed the complex scaffolding system, which is mounted on rails. The 40,000-pound structure is moved using a system of cables and winches, which are cranked by a crew of six. This week, crews are moving the scaffolding to the north end of the nave, allowing plasterers and painters […]

07Apr

Sealing the Bronze Doors for Restoration

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On Easter morning, Archbishop Bernard Hebda blessed and sealed the front bronze doors of The Basilica of Saint Mary, marking the beginning of a comprehensive interior restoration of the historic upper nave. This milestone is part of the Basilica’s $45 million capital campaign, Restoring Beauty, Inspiring Hope, a multi-phase restoration initiative to preserve and renew […]

16Dec

Stone Cleaning

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The Basilica’s interior is faced with 4-inch-thick Mankato limestone. Throughout 2025, conservation crews cleaned the ambulatories in the church. The cleaning material is applied to the surface and once cured, peeled away, extracting embedded soot and particulate deposits that have accumulated over the past century.

01Dec

The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis’ Lord, Renew Your Church campaign

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Sustaining the Cathedral of Saint Paul & Basilica of Saint Mary | $30 Million The Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Basilica of Saint Mary are vital to the Church’s identity and unity, serving as beacons of faith and community. They provide continuity and stability, fostering a sense of belonging across generations. Essential renovations and […]

01Oct

Exterior Tuckpointing

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Throughout 2025, crews from American Masonry Restoration have been performing exterior tuckpointing on the church as part of a comprehensive building envelope stabilization effort. This work is required to ensure the structure is fully watertight prior to the start of interior restoration. The process includes a detailed assessment of the stone masonry, identification of compromised […]

28Jun

Interior Trial Mockup

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Interior Restoration Trial Underway As The Basilica of Saint Mary plans for future interior restoration, crucial design and restoration techniques are being tested on various elements such as plaster ceilings, stone walls, stained glass windows, and lighting. These techniques are undergoing what is commonly known as a “mock-up” phase. These full-scale mock-ups play a vital […]

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