For thousands of years, people have used stained glass to enhance buildings worldwide, initially gaining popularity in the Middle Ages. It first appeared in church, mosque, and other religious windows, but it entered the secular world in the 19th century. Today, it is frequently seen in shopping malls, hotels, cultural institutions, and art installations. Whether it's a museum in Bangkok or a church in Paris, we all share a common desire to perceive the world through a multitude of colours.
Here are Top outstanding stained glass art examples:
The magnificent stained glass windows of Coventry Cathedral, created by Keith New, Lawrence Lee, and Geoffrey Clarke, are its most famous feature. Like elaborate mosaic paintings, these windows portray the human journey from birth to old age, ending at the high altar. They exhibit a harmonious fusion of colours and shapes.
Palau de la Música Catalana, Barcelona, Spain
Another Barcelona staple, the Palau de la Música Catalana, is one of the finest examples of Catalan modernista style—think rich details, floral motifs, and curved lines. The concert hall is illuminated entirely by natural light during daylight hours, thanks to the stained-glass walls and inverted dome skylight.
Gran Hotel Ciudad de México, Mexico City
This five-star hotel is known for its French Art Nouveau style: arched balconies, wrought-iron elevators, and a breathtaking Tiffany-glass canopy.
Iran's Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
The Nasir al-Mulk Mosque, sometimes called the Pink Mosque, is well-known for its colourful stained glass artwork. Thanks to the imaginative vision of architects Muhammad Hasan Memar and Muhammad Reza Kashi Pz-e-Shirazi, the mosque is transformed into a contemporary fantasy with its delicate pink tones. The front is a visual feast, full of classical features such as the "Panj Kaseh-I" (five concaves).
France's Sainte Chapelle
Thanks in great part to its stunning stained glass windows, Paris's Sainte Chapelle continues to be one of the most renowned chapels in the world. Scenes from the New Testament are portrayed in the large rose windows on the western wall that reach to the top of the chapel. A final panel depicts the discovery and relocation of Christ's artefacts to Paris, while the windows along the nave tell tales from the Old Testament.
Spain's La Sagrada Familia
Barcelona's famous La Sagrada Familia is a work of art and architecture. The renowned Antoni Gaudi designed this basilica, embellishing every aspect with elaborate symbolism. It has been under construction for almost 150 years, starting in 1882 and expected to be finished in 2026. When completed, it will serve as a significant memorial to the timeless beauty of stained glass in addition to honouring Gaudi's legacy.
Chapel of Thanksgiving, Dallas, Texas
The Chapel of Thanksgiving in downtown Dallas is best known for its "Glory Window," a nautilus-shaped display of stained glass that gets brighter the closer it spirals toward the center.
Wafi Mall, Dubai, UAE
A trip to Dubai's Wafi Mall is never a disappointment, even if you leave its 350 shops and indoor souk empty-handed. Inspired by ancient Egypt, the shopping center is crowned by stained glass pyramids that go perfectly with the marble floors and carved statues lining the halls.
Our top choices for the most beautiful stained glass pieces ever made are these pieces. Since beauty is genuinely subjective, we encourage you to share your thoughts and favourites in the comments section.
