The Wegner Grotto, known locally as the “Glass Church,” was owned by the Wegner family until purchased by the Kohler Foundation, Inc. in 1986 as part of its commitment to the documentation and preservation of significant art environments and folk architecture. Restoration, funded by the foundation, included extensive structural stabilization and surface repair of the sculptures as well as landscape clearing to reestablish the environment. The site was gifted to Monroe County in September 1987 and is managed through the Monroe County Local History Room & Museum.

Restoration and preservation of this fragile art environment is ongoing due to the age of the site and its exposure to the elements. Some recent restoration activities include replacing the “Glass Church” roof, stabilizing and cleaning the “Bremen” sculpture, repairing the “Crown of Righteousness,” reattaching fallen decorative fence pieces, infilling lost glass from the sculptures, and much more.

Want to help preserve the Wegner Grotto County Park? The Local History Room is always collecting special glass to repair the Grotto, specifically Carnival Glass and Depression Glass. Please contact the History Room if you think you have glass to donate to the project by calling 608-269-8680. Please note that no glass bottles are needed of any color.

In 2023, a new cross was cast and installed back in its original location in front of the "Crown of Righteousness" sculpture by Fred Oostdik.

A member of the Spin City restoration team reconstructs the "Anniversary Cake" sculpture after moving it in 1986.

Jim Cook (left) and Jerry Kast (right) stabilize the "Pulpit" in 2014.

Restoration specialists Ruthie Rolfsmeyer and Ben Caguioa repair the "Bremen" sculpture in 2019.

In 2006, the Wegner Grotto Endowment was established to ensure the long-term care and preservation of the Grotto. Your tax-deductible contribution to the Wegner Grotto Endowment will help us in our efforts of preserving, maintaining, and enjoying the Wegner Grotto for years to come.

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Click on an image below to view before and after photos of past restoration work done at the Wegner Grotto.

Before (top) and After (bottom) photos of the interior of the "Peace Monument" after the walls were re-plastered and the wood frames of both windows were replaced and repainted.

Before (top) and After (bottom) photos of "The Glass Church" after the roof was replaced. Each piece of roof glass had to be adhered individually.

Before (top) and After (bottom) photos of the "Crown of Righteousness" sculpture after the base was excavated and the sculpture was cleaned and repaired.

Before (top) and After (bottom) photos of a fence section that was repaired following damage caused by a fallen tree limb.

Restoration of the Wegner Grotto

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