RESTORATION WORK

OLV National Shrine & Basilica is enjoying an era of renewal! Accompanying the five-year celebration of the 100th anniversary of its construction, an ambitious plan to restore and preserve it for another century has been underway.

Exterior

Between 2021 and 2024, considerable work was done to address some of the more critical needs of the Shrine’s exterior. This included repairing masonry, gutters and significant roof repairs.

More recently, one of the most visible efforts got underway. Worn thin after a century of harsh weather, the Basilica’s iconic dome is being rebuilt with copper sheeting that is expected to last more than 100 years.

Interior

Within the Basilica, its pews, floors and stained-glass windows, all showing signs of aging (or failing completely), were completely restored.

Two additional projects transformed the interior: the installation of a modern lighting system and the restoration of plaster, paint, and ornamentation.

Together, all of these initiatives promise to preserve the Basilica’s legacy as a radiant symbol of faith, beauty and hope.