Martin Luther statue at Luther is being restored

Workers have begun restoring the Martin Luther statue and statue base located on the east side of Luther's Larsen Hall.

The statue has received a thorough washing and corrosion removal, followed by two layers of patina, a hot wax and a cold wax. The patina, along with the application of the wax, serves as a protective coating for the bronze against corrosion and weathering. The patina also gives the statue its warm brown color.
 
The base of the statue has a masonry core that is covered by three layers of wire mesh and plaster, and sits on its original concrete foundation. Cracks in the base have been patched over the last 40 years, but the core seems to be unharmed. As part of the restoration, the cracks in the base will be stabilized, re-lathed and repainted.

The Martin Luther statue was given to Luther in 1911 by Norwegian Lutheran Synod ministers' wives to celebrate Luther College's 50th anniversary.