Fundraising campaign started: Historic Luther's habit needs 12,000 euros!

Fundraising campaign started: Historic Luther's habit needs 12,000 euros!

The historic Luther habit from the 16th century, an important symbol of Martin Luther's time, is to be restored. This valuable habit can currently be admired in the special exhibition “Literally Luther. Facets of a Reformer” in the Augusteum Wittenberg. A fundraising campaign has now been launched to raise the necessary financial resources for the restoration. The goal is to collect around 12,000 euros by the end of 2026 so that the cowl can shine in new splendor.

The initiators of the fundraising campaign, the Friends of the Luther Museums and the Rotary Club of Lutherstadt Wittenberg, see the project as particularly valuable. Sigrid Bias-Engels, the chairwoman of the circle of friends, describes the habit as the highlight of every exhibition in the Luther museums. She emphasizes that the historical and cultural value of the cowl is enormous and that it is one of the most popular objects among visitors. Rando Gießmann, President of the Rotary Club, emphasizes the importance of this cooperation in order to increase awareness of the city of Wittenberg.

A look at the cowl

The habit, which is over 500 years old, is made of wool that was worn by Martin Luther during the Reformation. However, the material has now become brittle and thin. The restorers have already begun a detailed report on the condition of the habit to determine the necessary steps to save this historic textile. There are also plans to make a figurine that will help distribute the weight of the cowl optimally and thus optimize the presentation.

An important goal of the restoration is to preserve the material without making the habit appear unnaturally new. This careful approach aims to ensure that cultural heritage remains accessible to future generations. After the renovation work on the Luther House is completed, the restored cowl will be the first object in the new permanent exhibition in 2027 and will play a central role in welcoming visitors, according to the organizers.

The fundraising campaign has already begun and the circle of friends hopes to work with the Rotary Club to overcome the challenge and raise the necessary money by the end of 2026. The love of history and appreciation for Luther's legacy mobilize many people who are willing to make a contribution. Stop by and support this important cultural initiative!

For more information about the fundraiser, visit Day24 and MDR.