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Today, Wed 29th April Open 10:00am–4:00pm
Coventry Cathedral is open as normal today
General visiting times for the New Cathedral & Ruins Mon-Sat 10:00am–4:00pm
Sun 12:00pm–3:30pm
These opening times apply to the New Cathedral & Ruins. Other Cathedral locations' times differ.

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Building Hope

Building Hope: Coventry Cathedral’s Campaign for Reconciliation

The Ruins of Coventry Cathedral stand as a global symbol of both the cost of war and the power of renewal. Alongside this symbolism, Building Hope brings together international networks, young people and creative communities to continue Coventry’s reconciliation mission.

In an increasingly fractured world, Coventry Cathedral offers something rare: a place where memory meets action, where faith meets practical peace building, and where hope is not abstract, but lived.


Find out more about the Building Hope project below.




Building Hope is about shaping a future where reconciliation is not the exception, but the expectation.

Preserving the Ruins For Future Generations

The Ruins are a powerful world-class visitor experience, which tell the story of reconciliation and inspire people all over the world to play their roles in building peace. However, St Michael's Cathedral was never meant to be exposed to the elements and is now showing signs of wear and deterioration. We urgently need to protect the Ruins for future generations. We want to preserve the Ruins, and create a powerful world-class visitor experience.

Why Reconciliation Matters Today

In a world increasingly marked by polarisation, misinformation and broken dialogue, communities are divided. Wars and long standing conflicts continue to cause suffering and displacement. Coventry Cathedral’s reconciliation mission responds directly to these challenges. It offers practical tools, shared learning and spaces for reflection that enable people to move beyond blame and fear and towards a better understanding of each other. Reconciliation is not about forgetting the past. It is about transforming it and learning to live well with difference.

The Community of the Cross of Nails (CCN)

The Community of the Cross of Nails is a global network inspired by Coventry’s story of destruction and renewal. It brings together churches, charities, memorials, schools and social justice organisations across more than 20 countries who are committed to peace building. Together, this worldwide community demonstrates that reconciliation is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances.

ICONS: Empowering the Next Generation

Thousands of students engage with Coventry Cathedral’s story each year, discovering how forgiveness and understanding can shape the future. ICONS (International Cross of Nails Schools) exists to equip young people with the skills and values needed to become reconcilers in their own communities. By investing in young people today, ICONS helps to build a generation prepared to lead with compassion and wisdom tomorrow.

Arts and Reconciliation

The arts have a unique power to bring people together. Coventry Cathedral’s Arts and Reconciliation programme uses creativity to explore difficult questions, open dialogue and imagine new possibilities. Through exhibitions, performances, lectures and community projects, the Cathedral creates spaces where reconciliation is experienced not only intellectually, but emotionally and spiritually. Art helps people connect across cultures, reflect on global challenges and envision a more peaceful world.

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