Reviewed by: Liv George
Cullman’s Ave Maria Grotto set to receive major restoration
More than 100 structures in the Ave Maria Grotto on the grounds of St. Bernard Abbey are set to undertake a major restoration project.
Some of the century-old structures are in dire need of the restoration due to weather, vegetation and other issues that have impacted the outdoor park. The restoration is expected to help to ensure structural and artistic viability for decades to come.
Keep reading to find out more about the restoration project + what you can expect to see next time you visit.
‘Restoring the original beauty of the Grotto’
Roger Steele, the Ave Maria Grotto Director, said the restoration project is not looking to change anything at the park but rather restore it as close as possible to the original structures built by Brother Joseph Zoettl. The man worked on the structures over five decades and some are close to 120 years old.
Because of the various timelines of each structure, some need minor work like paint touchups while others need structural repair that includes severe foundation issues. Just last year, one structure had to be fixed because of the danger for a potential collapse. That was one reason Steele decided this restoration project was needed.
Here’s what to know about the project:
- 125+ structures to be restored in some capacity
- 2-year timeline for the project
- Funded by Kohler Foundation
- Work done by the Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Center (W+AACC)
The W+AACC has been on site in recent weeks, documenting the park and looking more closely at what work needs to be done on each structure. The physical work will begin sometime this summer.
“Over the years, it’s just degraded. What people will see is Brother Joseph’s original vision of what the park should look like. Restoration of not just the structure but the grounds itself… We want to provide a sanctuary of peace. People can expect a place of peace, a place of contemplation and a place you can bring your family.”
~ Roger Steele, Ave Maria Grotto Director
Some of the restoration will be able to use materials from Zoettl’s original work materials that have been kept in storage.
How you can visit
While you may see work being done around the grounds, Ave Maria Grotto will remain open as the restoration project happens over the next two years.
“Tucked away at St. Bernard Abbey in Cullman, Alabama, the beloved site will be open while conservators examine and treat each artwork. We invite the community to watch the process of cleaning and stabilization and witness conservators bring the artwork back to its glory before weather, roots, and other natural forces caused damage.”
~ Beth Wiza, Preservation Projects Manager for the Kohler Foundation
- Address: 1600 St Bernard Dr, Cullman, AL 35055
- Hours: Mon-Sat: 9AM-5PM | Sun: 11:30AM-5PM
- Cost: $10 for adults | Tickets
- Website
Have you been to the Ave Maria Grotto? Let us know your favorite structure by tagging The Bama Buzz on Instagram, X, Facebook + LinkedIn.
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