During a major restoration of St. Mary’s Basilica, the oldest in the United States, workers made an amazing discovery: shimmering gold artwork hidden under a layer of paint, unseen for more than 75 years.
- Gold stencil work uncovered under paint from the 1950s
- Oldest US basilica undergoing a $50 million renovation
- Discovery revives original artistic vision from 1914
What happened
While washing an arch high up in the ceiling of St. Mary’s Basilica in Minneapolis, renovation workers unexpectedly revealed a bright gold stenciled design beneath a dull, tan-colored paint layer. This paint had likely concealed the artwork for roughly 75 years since the last major cleaning in the 1950s. The golden motif extends across the arch and nearby panels, presenting details that had been out of sight for generations.
The basilica, completed in 1914 and recognized as the oldest in the country, is currently undergoing its second extensive restoration—a $50 million effort aimed to be finished by Easter Sunday next year. To access the lofty ceiling, workers erected scaffolding spanning 15 floors, enabling this remarkable discovery near the altar area.
Why it feels good
This unexpected uncovering reconnects the church community and visitors to the original artistic beauty conceived over a century ago. The gold stencil work and additional decorative medallion panels with ultramarine blue and fleur-de-lis motifs had been hidden from view for decades, and now their restoration allows the basilica to reclaim a lost part of its heritage.
For those involved, it was a deeply emotional moment, as the artwork seen by the faithful attending the first Mass in 1914 is being revealed anew. It highlights how historic religious buildings can hold hidden treasures, waiting to be rediscovered and appreciated once again.
What to enjoy or watch next
As the restoration progresses towards completion, visitors and parishioners can look forward to experiencing the fully revitalized interiors showcasing these rediscovered golden accents alongside the cathedral’s signature architecture. The project’s completion by Easter promises a special moment for the community to gather in celebration under the revitalized ceiling.
This discovery also invites broader interest in preservation efforts of historic religious sites and their hidden stories. Keeping an eye on similar renovation projects could reveal further surprises that deepen appreciation for architectural and artistic heritage in sacred places.