On Thursday, Sept. 16, visitation at the Martin Luther-The Reformer Exhibit being displayed at Concordia Historical Institute (CHI) on the Concordia Seminary, St. Louis campus exceeded 4,000 people. The exhibit opened to the public on July 1 and reached 1,000 visitors on July 13, 2,000 visitors on August 10, 3,000 visitors on August 31, and continues to be a very popular attraction for individuals and groups. The exhibit will be displayed on the Concordia Seminary campus through Saturday, Sept. 25, 2004.

"It has been exciting to see the reaction to the exhibit," commented Rev. Glen Thomas, Concordia Seminary's vice president for seminary relations. "Since Sept. 25 is the exhibit’s last day on our campus, we encourage anyone within a reasonable drive of St. Louis who has not seen the exhibit to do so before it leaves the area.."

Twelve chronological stages of Martin Luther’s life are presented in the exhibit through more than 100 books, manuscripts, illustrations, paintings and other documents. Stunning replicas and facsimiles of original items include the first Gutenberg Bible, paintings and illustrations by Albrecht Durer and Lucas Cranach, Sr., illuminated manuscripts by Luther and a letter by his wife. Personal items from the Luther household, including his goblet, and even his death mask are also included. Interactive kiosks are an integral part of the exhibit and serve to enhance the visitor’s experience.

The Seminary has offered a series of special events in conjunction with the exhibit’s time on its campus. The final activity is: :

Tuesday, September 21 - the Bach at the Sem series at Concordia Seminary will offer a special sacred concert at 7:00 p.m. as an integral part of the Seminary’s 2004 Theological Symposium. The American Kantorei, under the direction of Robert Bergt, will present BMV190a, "Sing to the Lord a New Song," demonstrating Luther’s influence on Bach. This sacred concert is offered to the public free of charge and no tickets are issued.

Groups of five or more are asked to call ahead to Concordia Historical Institute (314-505-7900) prior to a visit.

A visit to the exhibit could also include a tour of our Seminary campus and lunch in our dining hall. To arrange a Seminary campus tour or other Seminary-related activities, please contact the Seminary’s Campus Activities Office (314-505-7378).

Additional exhibit information is available online at https://www.csl.edu/LutherExhibit.htm.