The Basilica Landmark

06/20/2026

In the first two months of restoration, remarkable progress has been achieved. Each day, skilled craftspeople arrive to meticulously repair and preserve the historic stonework of the church. In the coming weeks, plaster and paint conservation specialists will begin their work, while the careful removal of the stained-glass windows continues in preparation for restoration at the Femenella & Associates workshop in New Jersey.

Preserving this once-in-a-lifetime project through photography and video is an important way to share the progress with donors and create a lasting record for The Basilica archives.
https://www.restoreourbasilica.org/news-and-events/

06/11/2026

Crews from American Masonry are carefully tuckpointing every interior mortar joint throughout the church. The existing mortar is removed and replaced with new mortar to secure the 4-inch-thick Mankato limestone and help preserve the structural integrity of the building.

Once the stone is stabilized, a specialized cleaning material is applied to the surface. After it cures, the material is carefully peeled away, lifting embedded soot and particulate deposits that have accumulated over the past century and revealing the natural beauty of the limestone beneath.
American Masonry Restoration

05/29/2026

The careful restoration of The Basilica’s historic pews represents both a significant investment and a commitment to preserving the church’s sacred heritage. Preserving the pews — and the more than 100 years of prayers, joys, and sorrows they have held — was central to the restoration vision of The Basilica.

In April, the pews were carefully removed from the church and transported to the workshop of Fresh Air Finishers for a complete restoration. The process is expected to take nearly a full year and includes cleaning, patching, sanding, and shellac finishing each individual pew.

Specializing in the restoration of historic woodwork and finishes, Fresh Air Finishers uses environmentally and human-friendly products that leave no residual odors.

05/16/2026

Crews have spent the past several weeks installing a complex scaffolding system in the nave that will allow expert plasterers and painters to reach 75 feet into the air and restore The Basilica’s ornate ceiling.

05/06/2026

The restoration of The Basilica of Saint Mary is a multi-phase comprehensive project led by renowned experts from across the country.
Crews from American Masonry Restoration continue tuckpointing and repairing the exterior stone, preserving the integrity of the church and preventing water intrusion.

04/25/2026

The Basilica’s original 1914 pews have been carefully removed and transported to a restoration workshop in St. Paul. As part of the comprehensive restoration, each pew will be repaired and refinished to preserve its historic character. Once completed, the pews will be reinstalled with improved spacing to enhance accessibility throughout the restored Basilica.

04/09/2026

The Spring issue of BASILICA magazine, “Commitment to the Next Generation,” is now available. This edition highlights our ongoing restoration efforts and celebrates the Basilica’s 100th anniversary as a designated basilica.
Pick up a copy in the church or read it online.
Thank you to our dedicated volunteers whose time and talent make this publication possible. BASILICA magazine is proudly sponsored by The Basilica Landmark.
https://mary.org/2026basilicamagazinespring

04/07/2026

The Basilica leads people to Christ and inspires lives of service.
I'm praying for all who are supporting the restoration, and I certainly look forward to that time when we will be able to celebrate in a completely restored, Basilica of Saint Mary. -Archbishop Hebda
Learn more about the restoration at https://www.restoreourbasilica.org/

04/06/2026

The Basilica will temporarily relocate liturgical celebrations to the lower level of the church for approximately one year while the restoration work is completed.

The major renovation includes repainting the interior, restoring stained glass windows, improving security and more.