15 Enchanting Stained Glass Windows From Around The World
These churches, libraries, museums, and hotels boast some truly extraordinary glasswork.
By Rose Barraza
Wrought with history and tradition, stained glass windows are typically associated with houses of worship. However, stained glass designs have been reinterpreted by modern day craftspeople and can be found the world-over in libraries, museums, concert halls, and even hotels. From the Trinity United Church in Chicago to Notre Dame in Paris, we've rounded up some of the world's most breathtaking stained glass windows.
Waves Of Color
The Cathedral of Brasília was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer and completed in 1960. The stained glass was painted by Marianne Peretti in 1990 and are made of 16 pieces of fiberglass.
Art and Politics
The past meets present on vibrant glass stained windows at the Trinity United Church of Christ in Chicago, Illinois. When the sun shines through the windows, the images show the significant social issues Chicago has historically battled and continues to overcome.
Windows to the Past
The Aachen Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in western Germany and was built by Charlemagne in 805 A.D. Although the original windows were damaged by a fire, the present glass stained windows are from the 1950s and stand 100 feet tall.
A Divine Concert Hall
A large central skylight full of women's faces and rainbow-colored geometric shapes hangs in the center of Palau de la Musica Catalana, Barcelona. The music hall was made to look just like a glass box.
Baptistery Window
Designed by John Piper and created by Patrick Reyntiens, a stunning color scheme shines through at the Coventry Cathedral in England. A total of 195 panels were used to complete the window, which serves as an introduction upon entering the cathedral.
Worldly Views
Experience a remarkable perspective of the world at Boston's Mary Baker Eddy Library, where guests can visit the three-story glass-stained globe library. The display was created by architect Chester Lindsay Churchill and acts as a symbol of global outreach.
A Sacred Art Museum
The vivid floor-to-ceiling stained glass art in the Metropolitan Cathedral of St. Sebastian, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, represents the relationship between God and humanity.
Rose Window
The Notre Dame de Paris, also known as Notre Dame Cathedral, was one of the first cathedrals built during the Gothic period and took around 300 years to complete. The gorgeous stained glass windows depict the influence of naturalism within the cathedral.
Expression Of Life
Antoni Gaudí created the playful stained glass windows in the Sagrada Familia Cathedral because he believed color was the expression of life. Some stretch more than two stories high, in an effort to draw the eye upwards to inspire meditation.
Gothic Gem
Exactly 1,113 glass-stained windows surround the Sainte-Chapelle in Paris, France, which served as the residence for the kings of France up until the 14th century. The stained glass was built in seven years and is arranged across 15 windows.
A Vibrant Message
A dark, yet colorful glass-stained window at St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague, Czech Republic, portrays St. Wenceslas and his grandmother St. Lyudmila surrounded by other saints while they spread the message of Christianity. The window was completed in 1929 and designed by Alphonse Mucha.
Coexisting with Nature
The Franciscan Church, located in Poland, presents guests with stunning stained glass windows full of violets, roses, geraniums and geometric shapes. The idea was inspired by St. Francis's love of nature and was completed by artist Stanisław Wyspiański in 1850.
Glory Window
The bell tower and 14-foot "Ring of Thanks" might draw visitors to the Thanksgiving Square Chapel in Dallas, Texas, but the Glory Window steals the show. Designed by Frenchman Gabriel Loire, the stunning stained-glass helix ceiling is made up of 67 panels.
The Pink Mosque
The Nasir-al-Mulk mosque, also known as the Pink Mosque in Shiraz, Iran, was nicknamed after the rose-colored tiles on its ceiling and interior. The art took 12-years to finally complete in 1888 and was designed by Muhammad Hasan-e-Memar and Muhammad Reza Kashi Paz-e-Shiraz.
Old World Elegance
When first walking into the Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, guests might notice the grand staircase or the caged elevators, but if they look up for a moment they'll discover some spectacular craftsmanship. In 1908, renowned French artisan Jacques Gruber created the tiffany glass stained ceiling for visitors to admire.
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