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UChicago Rockefeller Memorial Chapel

Address

5850 S. Woodlawn Ave.

Neighborhood

Hyde Park / Woodlawn

Hours

Sat, Oct 14: 10am - 5pm

Sun, Oct 15: 10am - 5pm

Photography Permitted Washrooms Available

Architect

Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue, 1928

Website

uchicago.edu

Description

Soaring over the campus it serves, this chapel has all the superlatives of a cathedral. It's a masterful modernization of the Gothic style, giving up some ornamentation in favor of clean lines and unadorned surfaces. Though it possesses one of the world's largest carillons (an instrument of musical bells) and a sizable Skinner organ, the building is not lacking in small details. Look closely and you'll find unexpectedly eclectic touches, including a carving of the architect holding a model of the chapel itself. The building is named for its primary donor, John D. Rockefeller.

Visitor Experience

Rockefeller Chapel will be open for self-guided main level and balcony tours with provided souvenir booklets, and student docents available for additional answers.

Groups of up to 15 at a time may have the option to ascend the 207-foot bell tower (steps, no elevator) or listen to brief organ demonstrations, weather and musician availability permitting. Tours will begin at 1:00pm on Sunday.

On Sunday morning at 11 a.m., a traditional ecumenical service will take place, featuring organ, carillon bells, and choral voices; self-guided tours are welcome to continue throughout.