Rose Window
The “Creation” Rose window contains more than 10,000 pieces of glass and celebrates when God declared, “Let there be light.”
The “Creation” Rose window contains more than 10,000 pieces of glass and celebrates when God declared, “Let there be light.”
“Ex Nihilo” by sculptor Frederick Hart captures the dawn of humankind and focuses visitors on the Cathedral’s creation story.
St. Peter is often depicted as the most “human” of Jesus’ followers -- stubborn, rash and yet the pillar of the Church.
St. Paul persecuted the early church, but found himself a new creation in Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus.
The Yuppie gargoyle was given in honor of a prominent New York corporate executive, who was delighted with the finished product.
State symbols abound at Washington National Cathedral, including the Missouri bear and the St. Louis Arch.
The “Scientists and Technicians Window” commemorates America’s exploration of space and man’s first steps on the moon.
A tribute to members of the Armed Services, War Memorial Chapel tells stories of sacrifice and the struggle for freedom.
The south rose window, the Church Triumphant, contains imagery from Revelation and St. John’s vision of the throne of God.
The chapel’s red needlepoint kneelers recognize noted Americans with symbols of their contributions to our national life.
Each of the four grand pinnacles atop the central tower will need to be restored or recarved following the 2011 earthquake.
The Cathedral is the only church in North America that houses a 10-bell peal and a carillon in a single tower.
A cathedral is a cathedral because it is the bishop’s church. So it’s only natural that one of the gargoyles features a bishop.
This “Evil Too” gargoyle was carved after a student at Mt. Holyoke College won a nationwide contest.
The largest and oldest of the three rose windows includes a life-sized figure of Christ sitting in judgment at its center.
The stained glass windows in this chapel depict the parables of Jesus while the altar reredos reflects scenes from Mary’s life.
The most popular site at the Cathedral? A stone carving of Darth Vader, installed in 1986 on the north “dark” side of the Cathedral.
Each of the four grand pinnacles atop the central tower will need to be restored or recarved following the 2011 earthquake
The Cathedral’s 10 peal bells don’t produce music that you could sing along with, but it’s a sound you’ll never forget.
They look like mini bridges or arms surrounding the cathedral. But what purpose do they serve?
Sure, pinnacles are decorative and intricately carved, but they also serve a key purpose in Gothic architecture.
“The Master Carver” is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the Cathedral’s master carver, Roger Morigi.
The American Rattlesnake was meant to represent American wildlife and one of the country’s first flags in the fight for independence.
They look like mini bridges or arms surrounding the cathedral. But what purpose do they serve?
The figures carved into the Cathedral’s eastern wall include its two patron saints and St. John, all looking for the Second Coming of Christ.
Bethlehem Chapel was the first portion of the Cathedral to be completed, in 1912. Services have been held daily ever since.
The Christ in Majesty window completes the Cathedral narrative that begins with creation and ends in the redemption of the world through Christ.