Building work on the Gothic church began in 1377 and took five centuries to complete. The entire construction was funded by the people of Ulm. Originally a Roman Catholic church, it became Protestant during the Reformation. The modern building opposite the church was designed by star architect Richard Meier. Though its design originally caused controversy, many now view the two buildings as a harmonious marriage of old and new. From the Middle Ages to the modern day, Ulm thrives on contrasts. That's also the case at the Weishaupt Kunsthalle, which houses the oldest piece of figurative art in the world as well as the work of contemporary artists.