Meadow Brook Hall’s historic stained glass windows have been restored to their original glory – and location within the mansion’s two-story Gothic-inspired Ballroom, following a shocking act of vandalism that occurred in February 2025 and an incredible six-month restoration journey.
The stained glass windows are original to the National Historic Landmark when it was completed in 1929.
“The restoration of our windows has been an emotional journey for so many members of our community,” said Meadow Brook Executive Director Bill Matt. “We had never before experienced an act of vandalism of this caliber. The outpouring of support we received has been incredible and we are grateful to the many people who contributed their time, energy and financial support to ensure that these beautiful artifacts are back where they belong, fully restored to their initial brilliance.”
After nearly a century, the stained glass windows were already in need of restoration and a project was in place to conserve the artwork prior to the destruction of one set of panels. It took a team of conservators six months to complete the work and all three sets of windows were installed back at Meadow Brook Hall in August.
New additions include heavy-duty plexiglass panels to the lower exterior sections, which will protect the windows from UV damage, weather and any small abrasions from gardening, routine maintenance work and minor accidents. The team added a patina finish to the metal frames, which mimics the natural aging process to create a weathered appearance, so the new frames will blend in with Meadow Brook’s architecture.
The windows depict scenes of the arts, including Music, Literature and Entertainment, and Drama. The windows were created specifically for this room by J. Scott Williams. They were designed to be viewed without distortion from both sides (inside and outside), which is slightly unusual because stained glass is typically viewed best from the inside and not the exterior.
A Shocking Act of Vandalism
It was in the overnight hours of Monday, Feb. 3, 2025, when damage was done to two of the historic stained glass windows at Meadow Brook Hall.
Oakland University Police investigated the vandalism and worked with the media to help identify a suspect, who was arrested and arranged as a result of an anonymous tip.
In the days and weeks following the vandalism attack, Meadow Brook received an outpouring of support. Many members of the community asked how they could help.
Following the vandalism, Meadow Brook Hall launched The 1929 Club, a monthly giving club that nods to the year Meadow Brook Hall was founded. The program is for members committed to giving $19.29 a month to support the cultural institution and and kicked off by focusing on the funds needed to restore the windows.
The cost to replace the damaged windows was approximately $35,000 – over and above the costs of the planned restoration project, for which Meadow Brook staff had previously secured a grant.
More than 100 people joined The 1929 Club this winter and spring, including many first-time donors! The club will continue beyond the window restoration project, by supporting the care and preservation of the historic estate and our more than 75,000 artifacts.
join the 1929 club todayRoad to Restoration
Meadow Brook was well positioned to sustain the damage from the vandalism attack. Staff had previously secured a substantial IMLS Grant to restore the stained glass windows in spring 2025. In preparation, the windows and casings were extensively photographed and sketched – which was even more critical as conservators then had to piece together the glass fragments.
With the unexpected destruction, the project grew far more substantial and the costs mounted to be much higher than planned. Fortunately, the conservators were able to reassemble much of the original materials.
Not only did the conservators literally fit the broken glass back together, but they paid particular attention to restoring the look of the colors and designs of the intricate windows, returning them to their original vibrance.
Meadow Brook Hall is fully self-supporting, relying on touring and special events for the preservation and interpretation of this National Historic Landmark. For more information, call (248) 364-6200 or visit meadowbrookhall.org.
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