The official final result of Mainz's first referendum has been announced: the majority has decided that the Gutenberg Museum should not be expanded by constructing the "Bible Tower" on Liebfrauenplatz. 14,555 citizens voted "yes." 49,663 citizens voted "no."

Mayor Michael Ebling said on April 15 about the outcome of the referendum:
"Today, a decision has been made. The majority has decided that the Gutenberg Museum should not be expanded by the construction of the 'Bible Tower' on Liebfrauenplatz. We

naturally respect this decision. However, I would also like to emphasize at this point that, despite the sometimes very heated discussions between supporters and opponents of the Bible Tower, this was purely a factual decision. Regardless of whether you voted for or against this expansion, we are all citizens of Mainz and city life will continue tomorrow. Today, clarity prevails after what was at times a very emotional discussion, and I hope that the majority decision will contribute to peace within the urban community.

In recent years, a great deal of time and energy has been invested in planning the expansion of the museum. Today's decision against the Bible Tower must therefore not lead to a standstill. The renewal process now needs the commitment of each and every one of us, and there is one point on which we all agree: our appreciation for the Gutenberg Museum and the awareness that we can only make this Gutenberg Museum a museum of the future with the help of civic engagement. I therefore call on all those who were still arguing critically with each other yesterday to join forces and work together with equal and even greater energy to ensure a bright future for the Gutenberg Museum. The Gutenberg Museum in Mainz needs to be renovated and expanded in order to live up to its reputation as a world museum of printing art in the future.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Marianne Grosse, Head of Cultural Affairs, and Dr. Annette Ludwig, Museum Director, for their extraordinary commitment over the past few weeks. Hardly an evening went by without the two of them presenting the expansion plans at an information event and answering questions from citizens. Even though we did not succeed in convincing the majority of the expansion plans, we can say that Gutenberg has regained his place in the heart of our city because he is alive and well there again, because his legacy is more present than it has been for a long time, and because the greatest son of our city is once again being talked about in all the newspapers, at all the kitchen tables, and on all the streets.

And it remains a great experience regarding the first referendum in our city. It was right that the city council, which supported the project by a large majority, made way for this referendum in a sovereign decision, without having to do so."