VIDEO: Duke University Chapel reopens after extensive renovations
Duke University Chapel reopened on May 11, 2016, after undergoing one year of major renovations. The Durham community celebrated the grand reopening of what many consider the heart and soul of Duke.
See historical photos of Duke University Chapel from its construction to today in this video:
The $19 million project was the first restoration of Duke Chapel since the 1930s. The renovations included restoring the ceiling, replacing the roof, installing a new air conditioning system, and adding LED chandelier lights. Crews worked tirelessly to make sure their work kept the essential and defining components of the Chapel intact.
“If we did our job, it’ll all look the same,” said Ray Walker, a project manager of Duke facilities management who oversaw the work.
Other restoration highlights included: removing and deconstructing several stained-glass windows in order to have them shipped to specialized cleaning locations along the northeast; restoring and resealing the marble floors; refinishing the pews along with other precious chapel woodwork; and tuning the building’s iconic Flentrop, Aeolian and Brombaugh organs.
You may read more about the restoration process and reopening on the DukeTODAY website.
Celebrated campus treasures like Duke Chapel are supported in large part by generous donors, alumni, and friends. Planned gifts ensure that meaningful places on campus can bring peace and joy to future generations. If you’d like to explore how you may provide for the future of Duke University, please contact our office.
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