Stained-glass windows, with their bright colors and detailed patterns, are both art and cultural treasures. Found in churches, modern buildings, and public spaces, they turn sunlight into colorful stories. First appearing in Christian churches over 1,600 years ago, these windows are made by adding special chemicals to glass. Over time, this art has mixed old traditions with new ideas. Here are some amazing examples from around the world.
Avery Coonley Estate
In 1907, architect Frank Lloyd Wright created 30 colorful windows for a playhouse near Chicago. Unlike his nature-themed designs, these windows used simple shapes like circles and squares in red, blue, and yellow. Some believe Wright was inspired by parades, with shapes looking like balloons and confetti (五彩纸屑). Each window shows how simple designs can still be creative.
Grossmünster Cathedral
The Grossmünster Cathedral in Zurich, Switzerland, has 12 special windows made in 2009 by German artist Sigmar Polke. He used thin pieces of agate stone in seven windows, mixing natural materials with glass. His creative work earned him the nickname “the Alchemist”. Though they look traditional, these windows push the limits of stained-glass art.
Netherlands Institute
The Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision in Hilversum has a modern take on stained glass. Its outer walls are covered with glass panels showing famous moments from Dutch TV history. Designed by Jaap Drupsteen, the building itself becomes a giant artwork, combining media culture with architecture.
St. Nicolaaskerk Church
Amsterdam’s St. Nicolaaskerk Church, built in the 1880s, has a restored dome with stained glass inside. Between its two towers is a large rose window honoring St. Nicholas, the city’s patron saint. Standing opposite a busy train station, the church mixes history with modern city life.
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1.1. What might motivate Wright’s windows at Avery Coonley Estate?
A Nature.
B Parades.
C Paintings.
D Sculptures.
解析：选B。B 细节理解题。根据第二段的“Some believe Wright was inspired by parades, with shapes looking like balloons and confetti”可知，有人认为赖特的设计灵感来源于游行活动。故选B。
2.2. Why was Sigmar Polke given the nickname “the Alchemist”?
A His strange appearance.
B His traditional designs.
C His innovative work.
D His love for history.
解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第三段的“His creative work earned him the nickname ‘the Alchemist.’”可知，西格玛尔·波尔克因其创造性的作品获得这个绰号。故选C。
3.3. What can we know about the Netherlands Institute for Sound and Vision?
A It emphasizes traditional craftsmanship.
B It aims to preserve old-fashioned art forms.
C It highlights the integration of art and function.
D Its interior is more attractive than the exterior.
解析：选C。C 推理判断题。文中表明荷兰声音与视觉研究所外墙用玻璃面板展示荷兰电视历史著名时刻，使建筑本身成为巨型艺术品，这既体现了艺术美感（成为艺术品），又有展示电视历史的功能（信息展示），由此可推断其设计理念突出了艺术与功能的融合。故选C。
4.4. What can be inferred about St. Nicolaaskerk Church?
A It’s isolated from the city.
B It has a modern style.
C It lacks historical elements.
D It combines old and new.
解析：选D。D 推理判断题。根据最后一段的“Standing opposite a busy train station, the church mixes history with modern city life.”可推断，圣尼古拉教堂融合了历史与现代城市生活，即新旧结合。故选D。
