In a two-stage art competition, the design of the newly created spaces in the Place of Silence under the monastery chapel is to be developed. We are looking for artists who can give this place an artistic signature and expressiveness. The jury is well known.
With the conversion of the St. Francis Chapel into a common place of worship for sisters and visitors, the area of the former pilgrimage site under the chapel has received new attention. “We had the impression that the potential of this place had not yet been exhausted,” says Superior General Sr. Maria Hanna. This is how the idea of the “Place of Silence” was developed.
“There is a special atmosphere down here. You can feel the weight and gravity of the foundations and that almost inevitably inspired us to think about making the foundations of our faith and spirituality tangible down here,” continues Sr. Maria Hanna. Something should be created in the rooms that allows people to experience the search for meaning in a sensual way, not imposing answers, but asking questions about their own roots and foundations. One highlight for Sr. Maria Hanna is the future location for the Gut Betha fountain. “This space under the apse of the Franciscan chapel didn’t exist before and we didn’t know for a long time whether we would be able to open and use it. But it is only with this new space that the place of silence will have an inner context.” In future, the fountain will be located directly below the place where the altar stands in the chapel. “The Eucharist and the spring are so closely connected, it’s a powerful image,” says Sr. Maria Hanna.
Experienced female artists wanted for the design
An art competition is now being held for the design of the Place of Silence. “We are looking for experienced artists who can develop an overall artistic concept for the new Place of Silence and give it a strong character,” says project coordinator Claus Mellinger. The tender documents can be downloaded from the Klosterberg project website (see below). A public information and viewing event will take place on Saturday, July 12 from 14:00 to 17:00.
Application deadline: July 18, 2025