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Silke Trekel Wins Commission for Otto the Great’s New Coffin at Magdeburg Cathedral

The Kunststiftung Sachsen-Anhalt selected her titanium-gold design after the original inner coffin was found largely destroyed.

Overview

  • A jury chose Silke Trekel’s proposal, titled “Torsion und Konsolidierung,” to create a new inner coffin for the emperor.
  • The winning design will use titanium, fine gold and gold leaf, which jurors said unite historical symbolism with technical innovation and aesthetic clarity.
  • Officials said implementation will start promptly, with the state culture minister welcoming progress in the coming months.
  • The grave site has been enclosed for conservation this year, and in March crews removed the 300‑kilogram sarcophagus cover under high security.
  • Otto’s remains are scheduled to be reinterred next summer in a restored limestone sarcophagus with the new inner coffin in Magdeburg Cathedral.