Gerhard Richter Backs Admission Fee at TikTok-Famous Cathedral

"Richter, now age 94, created his 65-foot-tall Cologne Cathedral Window in 2007. It measures 1,100 square feet, featuring 11,263 glass squares in 72 colors arranged by a random number generator. The abstract design, a marked departure from the original commission to depict 20th-century martyrs, was originally somewhat controversial, but has since become a hallmark of the cathedral, bathing the interior with colored light on sunny days."

"The cathedral hopes selling tickets will raise money to help cover the increasing costs of maintenance and operations of the historic building. The church expects to spend €16 million ($18.6 million) on the property this year, and is still looking to replenish its finances after forced closures during the pandemic halted revenue from paid tours of the towers and treasury."

"When asked for his opinion on the new fee by the German Press Agency, Richter said he approved, pointing out that some other major European churches also charge admission, such as the Duomo de Milano and the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona."

Cologne Cathedral, Germany's leading tourist attraction, is implementing an admission fee for visitors to address financial challenges from increasing operational and maintenance costs. The cathedral expects to spend €16 million this year and faces depleted reserves following pandemic-related closures that eliminated tower and treasury tour revenue. Artist Gerhard Richter, who created the cathedral's iconic 65-foot abstract stained glass window in 2007, supports the fee policy. Richter's window features 11,263 glass squares in 72 colors arranged randomly, creating a distinctive aesthetic that has become central to the cathedral's identity. Other major European churches, including Milan's Duomo and Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, already charge admission.

Read at Artnet News