Artist Abbas Zahedi has transformed the Liebfrauenkirche in Duisburg, Germany, into a sound installation as part of the Manifesta biennale [1].
The project highlights a growing trend of repurposing deconsecrated religious buildings to prevent architectural decay and foster new community uses. By converting these spaces into cultural venues, cities can preserve historical landmarks while adapting them to contemporary social needs.
The installation is featured in an episode of the ARTE series "Twist," which examines the transition of churches after they are desacralized [1]. The series focuses on how artists provide new life to these structures, turning once-sacred halls into immersive environments for the public [1].
Liebfrauenkirche, also known as the Church of Our Lady, serves as a primary example of this shift in the Ruhr region [1]. The church is one of 12 former religious sites utilized by the itinerant Manifesta biennale to host art and cultural programming [1].
This approach to urban planning allows the Ruhr region to maintain its architectural heritage without requiring the buildings to serve their original religious functions [1]. The sound installation by Zahedi uses the specific acoustics and scale of the church to create a sensory experience that differs from traditional worship [1].
The documentary detailing this process remains available for viewing until June 21, 2027 [2].
“Artist Abbas Zahedi has transformed the Liebfrauenkirche in Duisburg, Germany, into a sound installation.”
The repurposing of deconsecrated churches reflects a broader demographic shift in Europe, where declining church attendance leaves massive architectural voids in city centers. By transitioning these sites into cultural hubs, municipalities avoid the cost of demolition and the blight of abandonment, effectively shifting the role of the church from a center of faith to a center of civic and artistic engagement.
