Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka
In every direction your senses are filled with the beauty of stained glass windows. Two rose windows and numerous scenes representing the lives of the saints surround the circular interior. These are prime examples of Eastern European religious art – entirely appropriate for a congregation founded by Polish immigrants. The beautiful dome of above calls attention to one of Winona’s leading landmarks and also pays tribute to the pioneering people who built Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka in 1894-95.
Central Lutheran Church
The windows of Central Lutheran Church prioritize light, utilizing lighter tones compared to traditional deep hues, as the church lacks large windows at its front or rear. Crafted by Eugene Marggraff and executed by Conway Universal Studios of Winona, the windows feature rectangular sections of glass intentionally designed to depict symbols of the church and illustrate the divine light shining through key manifestations of God in both the Old and New Testaments. Dedicated in 1954, the church’s design emphasizes the spiritual significance of illumination and symbolism within its architectural expression.
Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels
The Chapel of Saint Mary of the Angels, completed in September 1925, showcases Northern Italian Romanesque architecture. Since 1949, ongoing interior decoration efforts have adorned the basilica-style chapel with angel figures, complementing its name. Designed by the renowned German artist Anton Wendling, the stained glass windows and mosaics, installed in 1952 and 1953, feature rich colors of blue, green, red, and gold, blending simplicity with powerful expression reminiscent of Early Christian Art.
First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church of Winona was founded in 1852 and established officially in 1854, with its current building dedicated in 1882 and later expanded with a second floor and kitchen in 1929. Notable features include a 14-foot diameter Rose Window, partially funded by Sunday School children in 1880 and designed by Tiffany, alongside cathedral-style large windows built in the same year. Significant and familiar Winona donors like William Laird Bell, J.A. Prentiss, and Ward Lucas contributed to the church’s stained glass, with Laird Chapel, built in 1952, honoring Francis Laird Bell and Maude Laird Prentiss and featuring art glass by Willet Studios of Philadelphia.
Levee Park Gateway
This glass was designed and donated by renowned local firm Associated Crafts & Willet Hauser in 2019 as a gift to the city for the new archway anchoring the entrance to Levee Park. There are four panels—two reflecting the view of the river and flora and fauna to be found there, and two depicting the bluffs and theirs.
Merchants Bank
The original 1911 Merchants Bank structure, designed in the Prairie School Architecture style by William Purcell and George Elmslie, features a cube-like form adorned with brick, glass, and terra cotta details. Inside, opalescent glass walls and a skylight, crafted by Mosaics Art Shops of Minneapolis, create a luminous effect; however, the production of opalescent glass has dwindled due to the complexity and toxicity of the required chemicals. The skylight, restored in 1972 by Universal Studios of Stained Glass in Winona, now boasts artificial lighting behind it, preserving its radiance.
Saint Martin’s Lutheran Church
St. Martin’s Lutheran Church which was established in 1856—one year before Winona was incorporated as a city. The present church was constructed in 1886. In 1956, with their pastor as the lead designer, the beautiful stained glass windows were added which depict both the Old and New Testament story from creation to crucifixion through eternity, peace, freedom, and remembrance.
Watkins Administration Building
Paul Watkins, the nephew of J.R. Watkins, assumed presidency of the Watkins Company following his uncle’s death in 1911, using his newfound wealth to commission architect Ralph Adam Cram for his mansion, construction of which began in 1925 and lasted nearly four years. The mansion boasts stained glass windows collected by the couple during their travels, featuring heraldic stained glass medallions, some dating back to the 16th and 17th century, with panes sourced from Netherlands greenhouses to control light admission, showcasing azure, lavender, and amber tints.
Wesley United Methodist Church
The windows of the nave and chancel of Wesley United Methodist Church were constructed in the early 1960s following a fire in 1962, designed by Mrs. Odell Prather and executed by Conway Universal Studio of Winona. These windows feature faceted slab glass in epoxy and mosaic gold, with the chancel’s “Glory Window” portraying the ever-living Christ surrounded by celestial beings and the redeemed. Additionally, the Norton Chapel showcases handmade antique glass, adding to the church’s aesthetic richness and historical significance.
Winona Arts Center
This stained glass may be some of the oldest in town. This building is very old and full of history. The historic Winona Arts Center, built in 1864 when Abraham Lincoln was President, was the only non-school facility in the area devoted to the arts. The venue provides creative performances, exhibits, and educational experiences in the arts.
Winona County History Center
You’ll find multiple stained glass windows here, but the main one is the Ruth Lucas Memorial window. It’s design represents Winona County through a series of meaningful images. Winona is full of lots of history and rad stained glass, so this is the perfect juxaposition. You’ll also find information on where to find the other Winona stained glass here. Winona County History Center was founded in 1935 and the 1915 National Guard Armory became the current headquarters in 1973, with continued growth, adding the Laird Norton Addition later. You’ll always find rotating exhibits, interactive activies, and lots of engaging events.
WNB Financial
Constructed in 1916, WNB Financial‘s downtown office, designed by renowned architect George Maher, shares similarities with the Watkins Administration Building and is a designated National Historic Place. The bank features opalescent stained glass windows designed by Maher and crafted by Tiffany Studios, showcasing Prairie School influences with lotus patterns and rectangles, motifs echoed throughout the building’s interior, from marble walls to furniture. The atrium’s skylight, composed of blue and white leaded glass, adds to the architectural splendor, while visitors can explore a captivating museum on the upper levels.
Winona Visitor Center
If you’ve visiting, you can see some great Winona inspired stained glass and get some important Winona info at the same time here! The glass was done by local Reinarts Stained Glass Studio, in business for over 50 years, with many noteworthy projects including the Vatican Chapel in Jerusalem. The friendly staff at the Winona Visitor Center will assist you in all things Winona. The Visitor Center offers guests a variety of brochures, maps, and Winona and Minnesota souvenirs. Trained Visit Winona staff provides information and travel counseling to visitors searching for the ultimate river city experience and will impress with insider knowledge.