Interdisciplinary Research on the History of Architecture and Construction, the Decoration and Conservation of the West Choir of the Naumburg Cathedral

The Naumburg Cathedral is one of the greatest works of ecclesiastical architecture in Germany. Especially the architecture and the sculptural decoration of the west choir, created by the so-called Naumburg Master in the middle of the 13th century, lend a unique importance and global renown to the Naumburg Cathedral. The architecture of the choir, the statues of the founders and the rood screen with its remarkable reliefs constitute an outstanding ensemble of the highest quality.

The west choir with its manifold coloured sculptures has been studied from different scientific points of view since the 19th century. Nevertheless, several key questions, for example regarding the creation, significance and function of the west choir, have remained unanswered until today.

Within the Naumburg Kolleg eleven scientists of six different special fields attend to these and other questions concerning the west choir. In the course of this post-graduate research program the young Phd students conduct systematic and interdisciplinary studies of the west choir of Naumburg’s cathedral. The disciplines of art technology and conservation science, natural sciences, building archaeology, history of art, medieval history/ regional history, economic geography and tourism research work hand in glove with each other.  This close connection and the resultant interdisciplinary knowledge exchange render the Naumburg Kolleg an innovative model. The post-graduate research program comprises lectures, seminars and excursions. Thus, the Naumburg Kolleg offers a unique opportunity to promote gifted junior researchers specialised in the conservation and preservation of cultural assets and cultural development. The project is funded by Volkswagen Foundation over its term of 3 years, which began in July 2009, with 1.5 million euro.

Located in Naumburg, the Naumburg Kolleg provides ideal external conditions for researching the west choir, for studying and using the archive of the cathedral chapter, for mutual assistance and exchange of experience among the scientists. The United Chapter Foundations of Merseburg and Naumburg and of the Kollegiatstift Zeitz provide the premises for the office, rooms for lectures and seminars within the program and also accommodation for the Phd students.

The findings and results of the Naumburg Kolleg will be presented among experts and in professional circles as well as to the general public. During the entire project term various offers in the field of public relation such as lectures, special guided tours, visual presentations and a documentary film serve to inform about the project and to promulgate scientific results.