St. Josef-Maihof Church, Lucerne

The Saint Josef-Maihof Church in Lucerne was constructed during the Second World War under the direction of architect Otto Dreyer. Although the church's main structure was finished in 1941, the slender tower adorned with four horizontally suspended angels, created by sculptor Franco Annoni, was completed a decade later.

Inside the church's main building, you'll find a broad central nave flanked by narrow side aisles and a slightly curved choir. The large windows in the church interior feature numerous square concrete bars and smaller round windows, creating a pleasing illumination. Additionally, an impressive rosette (a round window) designed by Anton Flüeler adorns the entrance facade.

The elegant, freestanding bell tower, with its facade composed of finely perforated concrete relief, has become an iconic symbol of the Saint Josef parish and the Maihofquartier district. It exudes a sense of openness and transparency, appearing remarkably light and delicate. In the basement of the complex, there is a baptismal chapel adorned with artwork by church painter Ferdinand Gehr.

Due to a decline in the number of attendees at mass, the church space became too large and costly to maintain. In response, the Catholic Church in Lucerne sought new ways to ensure the future of the Saint Josef parish. This initiative culminated in the "Der MaiHof" project in 2013, which transformed the church hall and parish center into a welcoming facility open to individuals of all faiths.