This post is essentially in the form of a photo essay of a stunning contemporary church building. Herz Jesu (Sacred Heart of Jesus) parish church in Munich was opened in 2000. The church which previously stood here was destroyed in a fire in in 1994
Exterior (photo: Scheuvens)
The whole 14-meter high glass front swings open on special feast days.
Within the glass exterior is a wooden construction of more than 2,000 slats.
(photo: Till Niermann)
The vertical slats cause the light to increase progressively towards the sanctuary with the altar. The panels of glass on the outside work in an opposite way: opaque at the sanctuary and altar end to completely transparent at the entrance.
The organ was dedicated in 2004.
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How wonderful!!! I hope it works well for them. I think of Coventry
Cathedral and how the light fails to reach the altar from the back of the church. However, judging from the pictures, I doubt this would be a problem here. I’m a little surprised at the seaing—-seems to be rigid pews. It seems that chairs might work better in a contemporary space since they can be moved and rearranged. In reality it seems to be a rather traditional space for liturgy…
Thanks for the comment, David,
Don’t know which country you are writing from
but in NZ chairs would not be legal for large groups such as a church building
because of fire regulations.
That may be the same in Germany.
I know the backs of these pews move to flat – but could not work out the point of that so did not include that in my text.
All I can say is ‘WOW!!!’ That church is too pretty! Magnifique!!
wow, hope there are warning sounds when the big doors open.
Thank you for this. What a great joy just to see the photos! What a beautiful space. What a way to glorify God!
Hi everybody I am an architecture student and I have to do a work of this church. I need to know the period (gothic, barroque…) of the previus church (destroyed in a fire on 1994).
I would really thanks your help!!! and i need it as soon as posible!
Thanks again!!
I stayed not far off in 2007 and at the hotel, they said this church was a must-see. I was lucky enough to go mid-morning when all was quiet inside and out. The experience was amazing. It’s more beautiful than any other church I’ve ever seen.