FLOOR RESTORATION PROJECT

It may be true that not too many visitors to the Basilica look down. With so many wondrous works of art at eyeline or higher ... statues, paintings, sculptures ... it can be easy to overlook the floor.  As expected, age and weather have not been kind to the Shrine's floors. Cracks, divots, and holes large enough to gather standing water have become increasingly dangerous for visitors to navigate.

Once the first section of pews was removed in January of 2023 (the photo above shows the front of the Shrine without the pews), work on the flooring underneath began. Whole sections were carved out so that new, precisely cut marble tiles could be installed. The concrete areas under the pews were also replaced.

The section of floor underneath the first set (10 rows) of pews was finished right before Easter 2023 and, once the second set was removed, work immediately began on that section.  Work continued from the front of the Shrine to the back until completion.
 

Support our Shrine!

Click below to support these ongoing preservation efforts to ensure OLV National Shrine & Basilica is able to remain a point of pride for our Western New York community. Every gift makes a big difference!