Luther's Kutte: Restoration for the future in the Wittenberger Museum!

Luther's Kutte: Restoration for the future in the Wittenberger Museum!

In the next few years, the city of Wittenberg will experience a cultural highlight: the new permanent exhibition in the Wittenberg Luthermuseen will open in spring 2027, and the focus is on a very special piece: Martin Luther's monk cowl. This cowl from the 16th century is not only closely associated with Luther's life and its importance for the Reformation, but also has some damage that is now to be restored. The cost of the restoration is estimated at around 12,000 euros.

like My church newspaper , the restoration is financed by the Freundeskreis of the Luthermuseen and the Rotary Club Wittenberg. The restorers have the goal of eliminating the damage and preserving the appearance of the valuable cowls without letting them appear "impressed". A new figurine will help to record and distribute the weight of the robe better, so that the cowl is preserved in both its shape and in its function.

cultural backgrounds and symbolism

Leonardo da Vinci's statement that art is the best way to reach the audience certainly also applies to Luther's cowl. Martin Luther wore the monk dress until 1524 to illustrate his break with the Catholic monasticism. This symbolic clothing has been attributed to the reformer for centuries, even if the undoubtedly -free attribution is historically controversial. In the years 1521/22, Elector Frederick the Wise Luther gave a robe that is still considered part of his heritage.

The cowl has been in the collection of Luther memorials in Wittenberg since 1983 and is currently presented in the special exhibition "Literally Luther" in the Augusteum. At the same time, the Luthermuseums receive a modern facelifting, since the Lutherhaus is currently being renovated energetically to be reopened in the same year.

restoration as an art form

A special perspective on the challenges of the restoration of historical textiles offers the textile restoration department, such as dhm . The care of textile collection stocks is always a balancing act between preservation and presentation. Historical textiles require special storage and presentation methods that often require close cooperation with restorers from other departments.

moisture, light and even pests represent great challenges in the preservation. The combination of traditional materials and modern plastics brings new problems, which, however, have to be masterfully mastered in order to maintain the beauty and meaning of objects such as Luther's cowl.

In the time of the restoration, it remains to be seen how the viewers will react to the restored cowl. She continues to live in the memory of the people, and every crack and thread tells of an eventful story. For everyone who is interested in the history of Luther and the Reformation, the upcoming exhibition will surely become an experience that stimulates thought and lets them deeper into the matter.