I recently had to light two antique stained glass windows in a similar situation. One thing I discovered was I needed an opaque piece of plexiglass between the light and the window. Without it the light was spotty and visible. As far as what type of light, rope light will work but it is not very bright. Fluorescents are fairly bright and cool which is an important consideration in a closed enviorment. LED is another option but it could get a bit pricey.
Paul