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Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center

Explore the life of Father McGivney & the Knights of Columbus' history through world-class exhibits at this New Haven pilgrimage center.

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Explore the life and legacy of Father Michael J. McGivney, founder of the Knights of Columbus, at this New Haven pilgrimage center and museum. Discover world-class exhibits of artwork, historical artifacts, and the Knights' impactful history since 1882.

A brief summary to Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center (formerly Knights of Columbus Museum)

  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • Visit during the holiday season to experience the center's well-recognized Christmas exhibitions.
  • Take advantage of the free admission and parking available to all visitors.
  • Check the center's website for information on current and upcoming exhibits.
  • Consider requesting a guided tour for a more personal experience and to learn more about Father McGivney's legacy.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center is located in downtown New Haven, making it easily accessible on foot from many nearby points of interest such as the New Haven Green and Yale University. From the New Haven Green, walk east along Elm Street, then turn right onto State Street. The center will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs are associated with this final approach.

  • Public Transport

    CT Transit provides extensive bus service in New Haven. Several bus routes stop near the pilgrimage center. Check the CT Transit website or app for the most up-to-date schedules and routes. Disembark at a stop on State Street near the center. The current standard bus fare is $1.75.

  • Car

    If driving, the McGivney Center is located at 1 State St, New Haven, CT 06511. The center offers free parking in the underground lot beneath the building. Enter the underground parking lot from the left lane of State Street as you approach the intersection with U.S. Route 1. Additional parking is available at nearby public lots and garages, with rates ranging from $5 to $12.

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Discover more about Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center (formerly Knights of Columbus Museum)

The Blessed Michael McGivney Pilgrimage Center, formerly the Knights of Columbus Museum, in New Haven, Connecticut, is dedicated to advancing the vision of Father Michael J. McGivney, the founder of the Knights of Columbus. Established in 2020, the center offers visitors a chance to delve into the history of this influential Catholic fraternal organization and the life of the priest who started it all. The center features world-class exhibitions of artwork and historical artifacts, with both permanent and rotating displays. Permanent collections include the Father Michael J. McGivney Gallery and Reliquary, the Wall of History detailing the Knights' origins and development, and the Papal Gallery. Rotating exhibits showcase artwork and artifacts from around the world, with a special emphasis on Christmas Nativity scenes during Advent and Christmas. Recent and current exhibits include "Among the Persecuted and Displaced", "Francis: Pope of the Peripheries", and "Away in a Manger: The Creation of Nativity Scenes". Visitors can take self-guided tours of the galleries and learn about the Knights' historical achievements and their ongoing charitable works. The center also provides a short film and interactive displays to further highlight the Knights' history and activities. The building itself is notable for its trapezoidal design, featuring an open center courtyard and a sweeping staircase. Originally designed for the City of New Haven's Community Services Department, it was purchased by the Knights of Columbus in 1982.

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