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Cathedral of St. John the Divine: An Unfinished Masterpiece

Explore the world's largest Gothic cathedral, a unique blend of architectural styles and a vibrant center for community engagement in Morningside Heights.

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The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located in Manhattan's Morningside Heights, stands as one of the world's largest cathedrals, despite being officially unfinished. Its mix of Byzantine-Romanesque and Gothic Revival architecture, along with its vast size and community involvement, make it a unique and inspiring landmark.

A brief summary to Cathedral of St. John the Divine

  • Monday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Friday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 12 pm-5 pm

Local tips

  • Consider attending a service or concert to experience the cathedral's acoustics and spiritual atmosphere.
  • Explore the surrounding gardens and grounds, which feature sculptures and wandering peacocks.
  • Purchase timed tickets in advance, especially if visiting for sightseeing.
  • Visit the shop for unique, locally sourced items that support economic, social, and environmental causes.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is easily accessible by public transportation. Take the 1, B, or C train to the 110th Street/Cathedral Parkway station. From there, walk east on 110th Street and turn left (north) onto Amsterdam Avenue. The Cathedral will be two blocks up on your right. A single subway fare is $3.

  • Bus

    Several bus lines stop near the Cathedral. Take the M4 or M104 to Broadway at 112th Street, or the M11 to Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street. From the bus stops, it is a short walk to the Cathedral. The cost of a single bus fare is $3.

  • Walking

    If you are already in the Morningside Heights neighborhood, walking to the Cathedral is a great option. From Columbia University, walk north on Amsterdam Avenue to 112th Street. The Cathedral will be on your right. From Riverside Park, walk east on 110th Street to Amsterdam Avenue, then turn right (south) to reach the Cathedral. Be aware that Amsterdam Avenue has considerable foot traffic.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are readily available in Manhattan. Simply provide the address, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue, New York, NY 10025, as your destination. A short taxi ride from the Upper West Side or Harlem will likely cost between $12 and $15. Be aware of potential traffic delays, especially during peak hours.

  • Parking

    There is no public parking available on the grounds of the Cathedral. However, several parking garages are located nearby. Yorkshire Parking at 151 West 108th Street, and Champion Parking 113 LLC at 400 W 113th St are a few options. Parking rates vary, but you can expect to pay between $25 and $50 for a few hours. Street parking may also be available, but it can be challenging to find, especially during busy times.

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Discover more about Cathedral of St. John the Divine

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue in Manhattan, is a unique architectural marvel and a vibrant center for community engagement. Often called St. John the Unfinished, the cathedral has been under construction since 1892, resulting in a fascinating blend of architectural styles. The original design, conceived by Heins & LaFarge, featured a Byzantine-Romanesque style. However, the design was updated in 1909 to the more fashionable Gothic Revival style, with Ralph Adams Cram taking over as architect in 1911. Today, the cathedral showcases elements of both styles, most notably in the crossing, apse, and chapels, which reflect the original design, and the nave, which exemplifies Gothic Revival architecture. The interior is expansive, featuring ribbed vaulting, pointed arches, and stained glass windows characteristic of the Gothic style. Despite being unfinished, the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the world's fourth-largest church by area and one of the largest Anglican cathedrals. Its immense size allows it to host a variety of events and art exhibitions. Visitors can explore the cathedral's architecture, artwork, and gardens, and attend daily services, tours, and concerts. The cathedral also houses a shop specializing in unique items from local artisans and fair trade sellers. The Cathedral's mission extends beyond its architectural grandeur. It serves as a house of prayer for all people, an instrument of church unity, and a center of intellectual light and leadership. The Cathedral is actively involved in the surrounding community, offering programs and social initiatives.

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