Domcenter Linz | Peter Haimerl Architektur

The neo-Gothic cathedral in Linz is one of the largest and most ambitious church buildings in Austria. It was constructed between 1865 and 1924. In 2024, the diocese is celebrating the cathedral’s centennial anniversary.

In recent years, however, the situation of Catholic communities has changed dramatically: The number of church members is shrinking, public acceptance of ecclesiastical institutions is waning, and the church is increasingly losing social relevance. While many congregations are responding to this issue by implementing cost-cutting measures, selling properties, or secularizing sacred spaces, the Archdiocese of Linz is taking a progressive and innovative approach. Building on the successful pastoral, artistic, and social activities of the parish community, it is also repositioning itself architecturally. The new cathedral center on the east side of the cathedral continues restructuring efforts that have already begun, such as the creation of a square opening towards the city of Linz. The new cathedral center also introduces a low-threshold, secular entrance to the church, reminiscent of the welcoming areas of cultural institutions such as concert halls or museums. Visitors are greeted by a bright, friendly, and modern café as well as an inviting bookshop. From there, they are guided through the former sacristy of the east chapel to the liturgically appropriate entrance area of the processional church in the north.

Tours of the cathedral start in the cathedral center. In addition to numerous multimedia offerings and the presentation of original artifacts inside the nave, the east side chapel houses an exhibition of the cathedral treasury. A two-story, walkable exhibition structure provides information on the sacred, liturgical, pastoral, and cultural dimensions of church architecture in both analog and digital formats, while also showcasing valuable artworks. An interactive display case and an internal lift, which elevates visitors to the window level of the former chapel, offer new insights into historical church art.

The layout of the cathedral treasury display case is based on an Einstein tile, a geometric shape that can be seamlessly arranged without rigid repetition. This motif appears in all exhibition cases within the cathedral and also in the new cathedral center.

Architecturally, the cathedral center on the east side draws on the tradition of lightweight tent roofs, while its location references historical market stalls. The structure consists of three canopies that appear to be suspended from the cathedral’s facade. Their shape resembles an inverted version of vaulted structures, giving them a light and airy appearance. To complement the high-quality stone exterior of the cathedral, a technologically advanced, free-form concrete construction was chosen. This design allows for a slim profile while minimizing material consumption and reducing CO2 emissions. Over its lifespan, the concrete will absorb nearly all of the CO2 released during its production.

For heritage conservation reasons, the extension could not be structurally connected to the cathedral at any point. Instead, the three shell structures rest on individual supports. The canopies extend upward in front of the facade, approaching it without making contact. Their support columns serve only to provide tension, preventing the structure from tilting toward the cathedral.

The canopy construction consists of a double shell: The lower, load-bearing shell is three-dimensionally curved to create a soft, inviting atmosphere inside. The upper shell, which rests on an intermediate layer of insulation, is only two-dimensionally curved, mirroring the pointed arches of the cathedral’s side aisles.

The interior of the cathedral center, featuring a café, information desk, and bookshop, is defined by a straight counter that guides visitors toward different functions. The space can also serve as a meeting place and venue for both religious and secular events. The entire cathedral center, including the cantilevered canopy roof and the former sacristy, has a basement level housing technical facilities, restrooms, lockers, and storage rooms. These areas are accessible via a staircase and an elevator. The elevator connects all three levels—cathedral level, plaza level, and basement—ensuring full accessibility and allowing for the integration of various indoor and outdoor activities.

With the new cathedral center, the Linz cathedral gains an addition that enriches its religious functions with a secular service area. At the same time, the previously underutilized space is revitalized, creating a new point of attraction for visitors.