The Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine

St. John the Divine is such a beautiful cathedral. An architectural marvel, it is truly breathtaking from the moment you walk inside. They often have an art installation, which only adds to the beauty. There are also mini exhibits (as I like to call them) throughout. It’s the largest cathedral in the world and is really worth the visit. One note is that there is an admission fee. It’s pretty reasonable and there’s no need to buy tickets in advance, but just an FYI.

The largest cathedral in the world! Still not finished yet but will continue to be constructed over many centuries. The architecture is really special and stunning. On one sculpture, you can see the 2 World Trade Center towers before 9/11 event, another there’s hand and ears. If you are planning to enter in the cathedral, it is $15 for an adult. Still worth visiting this incredible cathedral!

All those who rate this 1 star for being "pay to pray" don't understand that the payment for tickets is for tourists. There's no charge to pray. 1 star review folks don't know how to ask questions and accuse the staff for being catty but the reviewers themselves are catty for not being able to come to an understanding with some nice people who deal with a lot of nonsense day in and day out. To address those who get offended by art... I get it on some level if you're dogmatic and don't know how to interpret art... but it IS an artistic expression and a team of very educated people thought it would be a good addition to the church. Maybe, before you get offended, consider if you could use an education yourself so you can try understanding what the art symbolizes. It can be quite beautiful to see deeper meanings. Beautiful art is often much more than a nicely painted landscape or whatever you're into.

CSJD Is an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral - one of the largest. We have been there for many events including the recent Ukraine Freedom Orchestra performance. Christmas Eve mass will envelope you in warmth and wonder - a truly spiritual experience even for those of us who are not spiritual! Halloween is absolutely EPIC with film, live organ accompaniment, and GHOULS!!! And speaking of the organ - it MUST be experienced. With over 8,500 pipes - it is a force that will move you, literally, in this magnificent space.

This church is amazing, I visited at the opening so it was still empty. Spacious and with nice decorations and architecture. The ladies at the counter were super friendly, same can't be said for the security lady. There are toilets available in the church if needed.

Visited this as part of our trip to New York, neither myself or my wife are religious but we enjoy looking at the architecture of churches and cathedrals. This one is huge and everywhere you look there is something to grab your attention. Great visit and would recommend to people visiting the city.

I was in awe of the magnificence of this cathedral. And it's free to enter, but you can leave a donation.

Incredible Cathedral to meditate, pray and admire. Don't forget to walk the border of the garden and pay special attention to the Christ lying on the bench at the entrance to the garden. No entrance fee.

St. John the Divine is such a beautiful cathedral. An architectural marvel, it is truly breathtaking from the moment you walk inside. They often have an art installation, which only adds to the beauty. There are also mini exhibits (as I like to call them) throughout. It’s the largest cathedral in the world and is really worth the visit. One note is that there is an admission fee. It’s pretty reasonable and there’s no need to buy tickets in advance, but just an FYI.

The largest cathedral in the world! Still not finished yet but will continue to be constructed over many centuries. The architecture is really special and stunning. On one sculpture, you can see the 2 World Trade Center towers before 9/11 event, another there’s hand and ears. If you are planning to enter in the cathedral, it is $15 for an adult. Still worth visiting this incredible cathedral!

All those who rate this 1 star for being "pay to pray" don't understand that the payment for tickets is for tourists. There's no charge to pray. 1 star review folks don't know how to ask questions and accuse the staff for being catty but the reviewers themselves are catty for not being able to come to an understanding with some nice people who deal with a lot of nonsense day in and day out. To address those who get offended by art... I get it on some level if you're dogmatic and don't know how to interpret art... but it IS an artistic expression and a team of very educated people thought it would be a good addition to the church. Maybe, before you get offended, consider if you could use an education yourself so you can try understanding what the art symbolizes. It can be quite beautiful to see deeper meanings. Beautiful art is often much more than a nicely painted landscape or whatever you're into.

CSJD Is an awe-inspiring Gothic cathedral - one of the largest. We have been there for many events including the recent Ukraine Freedom Orchestra performance. Christmas Eve mass will envelope you in warmth and wonder - a truly spiritual experience even for those of us who are not spiritual! Halloween is absolutely EPIC with film, live organ accompaniment, and GHOULS!!! And speaking of the organ - it MUST be experienced. With over 8,500 pipes - it is a force that will move you, literally, in this magnificent space.

This church is amazing, I visited at the opening so it was still empty. Spacious and with nice decorations and architecture. The ladies at the counter were super friendly, same can't be said for the security lady. There are toilets available in the church if needed.

Visited this as part of our trip to New York, neither myself or my wife are religious but we enjoy looking at the architecture of churches and cathedrals. This one is huge and everywhere you look there is something to grab your attention. Great visit and would recommend to people visiting the city.

I was in awe of the magnificence of this cathedral. And it's free to enter, but you can leave a donation.

Incredible Cathedral to meditate, pray and admire. Don't forget to walk the border of the garden and pay special attention to the Christ lying on the bench at the entrance to the garden. No entrance fee.

I'm an atheist. Be mad if you want, but that context is important here. St. John is the largest cathedral in the world. If anything would bring me to God, it's St. John. They have so many community programs. A beautiful LGBTQ program, with glorious rainbow lights illuminating the inside. Their Halloween extravaganza, which is the most beautiful and spiritual thing I've ever seen--with a silent horror film and a parade of ghouls, played by spirited community members. They have art installations, classes, shows, celebrations. St. John is how Jesus expected the church to be--welcoming and loving to everyone. I recently did the vertical tour. I'm a big woman and did fine. Lots of steps, but the first set of steps is the worst. Lots of stops between. Plenty of chances to rest. There are several tight spots, so keep that in mind if you're bigger or claustrophobic. Our docent was awesome. Easy-going, funny, knowledgeable. We learned so much about the architecture of the cathedral, and surprisingly, that it's a work in progress. We saw every level of the cathedral, from the floor up to the roof. We saw amazing architecture, glorious stained glass. The cathedral is full of love, acceptance, rainbows. The vertical tour is amazing, as is any other program here.

4.5 stars The 6th biggest cathedral in the world. For $15 ($12) for seniors, you can wander around inside the church (after going through security of course). There's several little chapels to check out. Beautiful architecture and stained glass windows. We spent about half hour here and even that felt a little rushed trying to look at everything. 2023 #119

A great place to visit as a local or otherwise. The grounds are beautifully kept and they have different art installations rotate. Bring clean clothing and shoe donations in a bag to drop off while you're there, if you'd like--they accept them anytime the cathedral's open (security will accept your bagged donation if the path to the donation box is closed). One of the few places in the city that simply give them to those in need, versus selling them. The Vertical Tour is also fantastic. If you're lucky, you'll get the popular gentleman who has been giving the tour for around 40 years. Such a breadth of knowledge, expertly culled down into digestible info. Beautiful views both inside and out, with rare views of such a large structure. The stairs are truly unlikely to be an issue for most--if you can do 3-4 flights, you can handle the tour with ease as there are breaks throughout. Even in summer it's fine, if you are comfortable embracing the heat for just an hour. Really worth it.

Magnificent design and construction. Tremendous valued ceiling . For US a great church . Was never finished according to designs. Located on Amsterdam Avenue. Free admission but donation suggested for renovations.

This church is located in Manhattan and the space has not just a church but also a school and a Bishops house plus this cathedral hosted Aretha Franklins last public concert. There are many art sculptures on the grounds as this cathedral goes back over 100 years. One of the visitors the day I was here told me that in the early 90s Mariah Carey performed a concert here. I visited here on 2 different days at different times so as to catch the cathedral in different light.

This is such a beautiful cathedral! I came on a Sunday for a free organ concert which was very cool. Very peaceful. Almost put me to sleep! Such an amazing building in the middle of Manhattan. The biggest cathedral in the city and I think the country!

Very impressive. Great stained glass. Impressive choir and organ. Definitely worth a visit.

I used to go to this Cathedral a lot when i need peace & quiet , until they started asking for entrance fee, even though you're there to pray & not as a tourist. I think you have to live in thesame area code to get in free. Awe inspiring inside & out- the gothic architecture, glass windows & the grounds & garden sorrounding it. Still worth praying the entrance fee if you've never been there!

Gorgeous church in Morningside Heights. Unfortunately there is construction going on so I feel like $10 to get in is pretty steep considering that St Patrick's is free. Super gorgeous and worth the visit though.

My partner, his family and I stopped by the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine located on Amsterdam Avenue in Morningside Heights as our first stop. This 130-year-old Episcopalian cathedral is the largest Gothic in the world. Built in 3 periods, its style evolved from the Byzantine to the Romanesque to the French Gothic, which predominates and sadly the construction is still on going. The admission was $5 during this stage of construction where not all areas are open for viewing. Mask is still enforced. If you are in the area, it's worth a visit to see this impressive cathedral.

What a beautiful gem in NYC with lovely gardens to walk around in. Walk up close to the building to admire the intricate architecture. There is an admissions fee to go inside. You might even see the peacocks roaming the grounds on a nice day!

Beautiful church well worth a visit. But pro tip - tell them you live in the neighborhood and that your zip is 10025 when you ask! Otherwise it's $10 per person - even if you live close (but not close enough - they've tightened the radius!) around.

Upon arriving I felt like I had been transported to London. So impressive old world architecture at its finest! So much detail that just going to the front of this church makes for an incredible trip!! You go through metal detectors. Then the admission area where I met this really nice man and woman who were friendly 9-8-23. Then I took the self guided tour of this extraordinary church in all its grandeur. There are various exhibits statues and gifts from the Royal Family just to be a few things. My friend and I found paper fans in one room which we desperately needed. We paid on exiting. I love churches museums and old architecture so I was very happy!! This was a good trip!! The admission is ok as I believe it is used to keep the church going so to me that's really worth it

A beautiful cathedral, but worth noting especially now that they're charging for tourists that the cathedral is under construction. About half of the cathedral is under scaffolding, and when I visited it was very loud with construction noises. You can still see about half of the beautiful stained glass windows (by my estimate), but worth knowing if you're going to make a trip down

When we were researching places to visit in New York, we came across Cathedral Church of St John the Divine on various sites. Pictures of the church were beautiful and so we put this landmark on our itinerary of places we must visit when we get to New York City. Just so happens that it was the very first destination of our 2017 trip after we checked in and dropped off our luggage. The church was easy to find with the NYC subway app and Google maps. The area is very clean and safe for lower Harlem. We arrived and saw many tour busses parked in front the the church so we knew we were in the right place. It's a very nice church with lots of details in the architecture of the building. Amazing spot for photos. You can walk around and in the church at no cost but to enter the main area, admission is $10. This church is definitely worth checking out.

We were there a few weeks ago. This was one of the stops on our Greyline sight seeing tour. The pics looked impressive so we shoes to get out and check it out. The cathedral had HUGE high ceilings .. looked gothic to me. Normally I guess there is a charge but since they were doing something special .. had it barricaded off .. had rented part of it out and doing some construction. loud sounds and limited access. It was very impressive and outside there was a huge unusual fountain. Looked like an angel holding a giraffe .. some weird images on the fountain and metal sculpture. The images looked pagan and amateurish. the fountain and metal sculptures didn't look like something youd expect around a church.

The Cathedral Church of St John the Divine has been open in NYC since the late 1800s. The architecture is amazing and a must see when in NYC. I'm trying to wrap my head around the "Church" part, inside are displays of artists, Duke Ellington's Second Sacred Concert was performed here and there are kiosks showing how eating organic meats is more humane than how big businesses slaughter cows, pigs and chickens. What a learning experience and it broke my heart thinking about why the government allows this process. Once inside, you're surrounded by so many different visuals. Looking up at the dramatic ceiling, you can help but marvel at the intricate details. This really is a sight to behold. From the stained glass and many different rooms of the Cathedral, you can spend hours here. I was able to witness the choir sing which was very peaceful and nourishing to my soul. You haven't done it all in New York City until you make a stop and visit the Cathedral Church of St John the Divine.

I haven't been around this area in 20+ years, so I decided to check out this church in the Upper West Side and this is a wonderful church with fabulous architecture and stained glass windows. Rather dark inside when I visited the Cathedral Church of St. John the Devine in the early morning hours on a warm summer day. Really amazing cathedral that you really should see when you're in New York City!

When I lived in NYC and wanted to tune out the noise and the crowds, there was only one place in Manhattan to which I could escape: the cathedral. Although I'm not religious, I'd gladly sit here for an hour or two and sit in silence. (If you live in Manhattan, you know how precious such a respite can be.) Billed as the largest cathedral in the world, this mammoth -- even that word is an understatement -- structure swallows its visitors and the real world suddenly feels a thousand miles away. This place is big even though construction stopped years ago. It's an unfinished masterpiece. Looking up induces vertigo but I signed up for the tour that takes visitors to the upper reaches of the cathedral. After a long stair climb, the first stop is a walkway that overlooks the nave and is close to two large stained glass windows. Looking down was like peering into the Grand Canyon. It was dizzying. After another stair climb, the next stop was a dark space just above the vaulted ceiling. It's a raw space filled with catwalks and the stone humps of the top of the ceiling so that workers can perform any necessary maintenance on the interior structure. It's a true behind-the-scenes area that reveals a lot about the skeletal structure. One more stair climb and the final stop is the long parapet that is as high as one can go without actually standing on the roof. The view looking south to Central Park and the skyscrapers of Manhattan made this entire experience one of the most thrilling things I've done in a long time. If you're a resident or tourist, take this tour. It's only about an hour but you won't forget it.

I like to joke that my non-Christian ex (She was Buddhist & Shinto) made me go to church. She started us on a tradition of visiting a different church every Christmas Eve for evening services. Our first visit was to the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine. I've been in love with this church ever since. The Christmas Eve services at St. John the Divine are beyond wonderful. It was 2 hours of pure joy, and this is coming from a guy who usually fidgets in the pews during church. They played a variety of styles of music: traditional choral (with the pipe organ), jazz, a spiritual, etc. The very liberal Catholic in me loved seeing a woman priest, while I also liked that the service had the same "pomp" (for lack of a better term) as a Catholic mass. The cathedral is a photographer's dream. Beautiful architecture and art: statues, icons, stained glass windows, etc. If you arrive at the right time, the sunlight goes through the stained glass windows and creates a beautiful kaleidoscope of colors on the walls and pillars. There is also a very nice park on the grounds, with lovely flowers and sculptures. It's a very nice place to sit and relax. The former Catholic school boy in me feels really guilty to say this, but I think the Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine is more beautiful than St. Patrick's Cathedral. It is a serene oasis in Manhattan. I love visiting to take photos, or to just relax. It is also one of the stops for when I give tours to friends visiting NYC.

The church is beautiful! I came for the special Paul Winter's Solstice Celebration held at the church every year. The GA seats are first come-first serve basis and I would suggest trying to get in the center seats as much as possible. Some of the seats close to the pillars had obstructed views at some points. The seats are also one level so it's hard to see from time to time as well. The music was melancholy, but repetitive to Paul Winter's classics I assume. The dancing was was a mix of lyrical, African-style and even the Irish jig. The best part was when everyone howled at the moon. The kids and adults alike had a great time with that. This is a unique experience and a little long if you don't know Paul Winter and if you have a really bad viewpoint.

I went to a Modest Mouse concert here years ago in the basement. Let that sink in. The basement is big enough to host a rock concert, and I don't mean like 50 people in the audience either. If I had to guess, between 500-1000 or slightly more. This place is huge and you'd be wise to admire it for all its Catholic ornate style.

This place is truly amazing, and my favorite sacred space within NYC now that I've been. Disclaimer: I am an Episcopalian. But take a look at these photos and tell me if this place is not worth a trip uptown??

One of the most magical, peaceful, and spiritual places I have ever been is the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. I used to work at a hospital up the street, and when I wanted a moment of peace, I would climb the wide staircase, be ensconced by the giant, gilded doorways, and just sit. Not to pray, not to complain, but to just sit. And be. The stone walls are so thick that no city sounds can penetrate them. The stained glass windows filter light so beautifully that the church seems to glow. It extends endlessly upwards, and is stunning down to every last detail. The Great Organ is truly remarkable, and if you are lucky enough to step inside during a service, you may hear its music. There are small chapels off to the sides, and each one is worth visiting. I always feel like I'm in a museum - ancient tapestries adorn the walls, paintings hang majestically above hand-carved marble podiums, and the sculptures are breathtaking. See if you can find the carving of Ghandi standing near Martin Luther King (MLK actually spoke here in the late 50s). I posted a photo of these luminaries for those of you who fail in your Ghandi-sculpture quest (see attached pics). There are always amazing exhibits on each side of the main cathedral as you enter; I have seen the AIDS quilt, a memorial to the holocaust, poignant art post-9/11, among other exhibitions. The cathedral also hosts various speakers and artists, from the Dalai Lama to local musicians. You can find Cathedral events here: http://www.stjohndivine.org/ce_cathedralevents.html. And do not miss the Poet's Corner, dedicated to illustrious writers throughout the centuries, where people can still write poems and leave them for others to read. I always want to climb the secret staircases, but don't because I have a healthy fear of God. And the people who work for him.

Beautiful. Spacious. Quiet. Wonderful place to reflect and collect your thoughts. Gorgeous art work all around. Must see.

This place was stunning! It reminded me of European churches. It looked even better on a sunny day.

The cathedral is much like this review... Beautiful and unfinished...

This is off the beaten track and unique. When traveling in Europe we are always amazed by the cathedrals and the painstaking details that are small parts of such enormous structures. Come see a cathedral still under construction and is also absolutely massive. Visitors flock to St. Patricks because it is impressive and conveniently located on Fifth Avenue. St. Johns dwarfs its catholic cousin.

Peaceful place to come and recollect yourself! It's clean and has a good open space. The statues and art are also really nice. Also a nice garden to enjoy

Completely unexpected! This place is like the twilight zone. I'm not talking about the religious service, but the space itself and the art in here! In fact, it's like a mini-MOMA. It claims to be the largest cathedral in the world (remember the Vatican is a Basilica). It's not the tallest, but perhaps it's the largest square feet? In any case, it's huge. You can just walk in and enjoy the space and view the various art they have on display. You're recommended to pay $10, but no one's checking...only God. What's weirder than neon displays and artistic statements about political issues is that at the altar, there is a cross, some bones from a dodo bird I think, and a menorah. Odd for a Catholic-type space! Don't forget to visit the statue next door, which is a weird conglomeration of an angel holding a giraffe standing on the sun and something holding onto a severed head. It's all strange. The border of the statue are tons of cute little animal statuettes illustrating those that are supposed to be on Noah's Ark. It's cool.

The Vertical Tour is amazing!! Our tour guide, Bill, is a wealth of knowledge and we learned the history of the Cathedral, the cultural and societal events that had taken place since its inception, and many other extremely interesting facts. What a beautiful tour and what a lovely, peaceful atmosphere to experience. Highly recommended!

I am still amazed when I find architectural marvels like this in the city. I had to rub my eyes to make sure I am still in NYC and not in Paris... (yes, I had an audacity to compare it to Notre Dame, tho my friend disagree with me) It's an amazing Neo-gothic cathedral that is still work in progress, with usuall lines you find in Gothic architecture: thin, streamlined, bone-like structure of living beauty... First cornerstone was laid in 1892, which means this all started over 120 years ago, and still not finished - that fact on it's own is mind-blowing. Detailing, architecture in whole, and stained glass work are absolutely incredible. If you in NYC - as a visitor, or live here - you MUST see it. Experience it. Feel is in your mind and soul. It is majestic and super powerful.

We didn't go inside, but from the outside this building is remarkable. We walked around the neighborhood a couple blocks from Tom's Restaurant, the Seinfeld diner, and who knew that this gem would be here just around the corner? Definitely worth seeing in person. Such amazing and ornate architecture.

The first time in my life I was ever denied entry to a church. Let me say that again just so it can sink in, I was denied entry... to a church. It wouldn't have been so bad except for the fact that I could see other people inside walking around, and as I was leaving I could see other people walking up the stairs and they weren't turned away. When my wife and I were moving up the steps and towards the doors a larger gentlemen used his "physical status" to block the door. "What do you want?" He blurted out. What does one do in the house of the Lord? Pray? Admire the architecture? Or both! "The church is closed!" was his response. There was no service or celebration going on, there were other people walking around inside (TOURISTS INCLUDED), we were dressed in plain normal clothing... I was just gobsmacked. I wish I could have gone in and enjoyed the peace, this peace which is only found in structures of this genuine breathtaking beauty like this church. Needless to say I was bitterly disappointed by this.

The St. Francis Feast of the Animals on October 7th was such a disappointment. An interminably long wait outside for a strange, long, and boring Broadway-type production that has really nothing to do with blessing animals. The sound system was awful, and the parade of the animals at the end felt contrived and touristic. The sermon was nice and appropriate. Strange that although we had advance web tickets and waited in a special line, we were all let in last after walk-ups had taken most of the seats. We were told to stay in a back section, but we used the side aisles to sneak closer to the front. The one highlight of the long show was seeing people with their beloved pets.

Finally getting around to reviewing - only a few years late. St. John the Divine is an imposing and beautiful place to find respite amongst the hustle and bustle of Manhattan. During the warmer months the outdoor garden spaces provide a peaceful place for reflection. I also was fortunate enough to attend an organ concert here - it was magnificent. It is definitely a must see - for anyone visiting New York City.

I have always loved visiting various temples of all denominations an have been to many in both the USA & UK. Did you know that St. John's is listed as the largest gothic cathedral in the entire world? What a unique blessing to be able to share that this was my home church, and has always been one of my favourite santuaries on Earth! It is beautiful, peaceful, welcoming, and although expansive with tourists filing in and out on a regular basis, both staff and clergy were also incredibly supportive when needed. I went here for years, and will always make a point to attend events & worship services whenever I return home to visit friends & family. Cannot wait to see Paul Winter again, and hoping to make it for this year's Summer performance!

The rudest people ever there. I don't even know how can they hire these people working for a church like this. They are very discriminating that trying to kick people out with no respect. I told the security if please he can move to the side that I can take a full picture of the church. He and his coworker flipped upon me saying we are not respectful to tell them to move. I've never seen this sensitive and emotional security. They claimed to call the cops because we are discriminating. Am I discriminative to ask a dark skinned employee to move a little so I can take a beautiful picture of the great architect?! No matter what ethnicity the security is, I'll ask the same thing!! This is ridiculous that a church hires this kind of employee.

We booked the "Vertical Tour" and it was well worth it. Approximately 1.2 in length and it was fascinating. Ended up on the roof for a spectacular view of the city. Lots of steps so do not book if you can't climb.

I was there today at 10:30am, Sun Oct 18th. The girl at the desk wouldn't let me in unless I paid $5. She knew I was a local resident. I told her I had been there 100's of times and never had to pay just to be in the church. I told her I was disappointed about the Halloween Extravaganza being cancelled. She knew I was local, she knew I wanted to be in the church, and she watched me walk out without letting me in without paying. Yet the website say all are welcome for prayer & meditation. Clearly, the church is all about money now.

I went here a few times in college, and then there was about a ten-year gap. I re-visited in Feb 2019. It's changed so much. It used to be a house of prayer. It used to transfix me and encourage reverent silence. Today, it's basically a modern art gallery housed in a Gothic structure, with a $10 admission fee. If you're looking for a great art museum, go to the Met. For a few extra bucks you can catch breathtaking exhibits from all over the world. But the art in the cathedral today is a distraction from the solemn adoration I feel when I walk through churches. Cathedral staff aim to give you a spiritually and artistically transcendent experience, and succeed at neither. Skip it.

First time visiting Cathedral in the city. It was just breathtaking beauty of every part of the church. I can not believe people made all detailed statues, curving on the walls, and beautiful stained glass. Come visit early, I was only one except workers in the church when I visited there around 9am in Monday.

Pros: * I can't believe I've lived in NYC for 5 years and never been to this church. The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine is a beautiful, grand and enormous! Who knew that NYC houses the 4th largest Christian church in the world! * Suggested donation * Very easy to get to via subway B/C/1 to Cathedral Parkway Cons: * During the summer is it sweltering hot, so I use the pamphlet as a fan Tips: * Take the M4 bus to head east to check out museums on 5th Avenue or take the M4 bus north to the Cloisters * If hungry, eat at Freda's Caribbean & Soul Cuisine at 993 Columbus Ave b/t 108th St & 109th St: best Carribbean food!

Coming from a strictly architectural standpoint, color me unimpressed. Yes, if completed this would be the world's largest Gothic-STYLE cathedral, but I've alway looked at it as a testament to the American hubris of the late 1800s and redubbed the building "The Church of St. John the Perpetually Unfinished." On an historic preservation note: in the area where the south transept would be built is the oldest building on Morningside Heights, the Leake & Watts Orphan House.

One word: DIVINE! A living cathedral where Episcopalian worshipers (but not limited to all religious faiths) flock to Saint John the Divine to become one with God or to ponder one's existence and struggles to starve a sweet salvation. The Cathedral is very active to bring unification to the Morningside Heights community and beyond with the annual The Feast of Saint Francis's Blessing of the Animals; NY Philharmonic Memorial Day concert and New Year's Eve Concert for Peace. Seven active chapels sits from the ambulatory behind the choir known "Chapels of the Tongues." The Cathedral School educates 250+ students of all faiths from kindergarten through 8th grade. The Peace Fountain sculpture depicts the struggle of good and evil, as well as a battle between the Archangel Michael and Satan. Beautiful Gothic Revival style architecture with attention to detail by Heins and LaFarge where the first cornerstone was laid in 1892, as visitors and locals need not to travel to Europe to experience a cathedral right in the Big Apple. Truly a divine cathedral known for the solid presence: gargoyles, flying buttresses and the sublime stained glass windows, the soaring high domes, the Gothic embellishments of abbey stone arch doors and doorway entrances, and pinnacles all appearances of mid 19th century. It is a triumph. Wow! I am enamored with Gothic architecture for the period, the beauty, the grandeur, the high ceilings, the details, the drama, and relief stone sculpture. The Great Rose Window is spectacular! The outdoor garden contains a tribute to the late John Lennon -- "Some may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us and the world. Will live as one." Private group tours are available by reservation at $16.00 per visitor with an experienced and knowledgeable cathedral volunteer guide. Visitors will have a rare glimpse of the inside structure, history, spectacular views from the roof by climbing approx. 190 steps of a spiral stone staircase known as the "Vertical Tour." N.B. This vertical tour have NO elevators, enclosed spaces, winding narrow stairs, and very narrow corridors which I highly recommend flat and comfortable footwear with rubber grip (sneakers) for all visitors. The spiral staircase's direction is a mix of counterclockwise turns and clockwise turns (left and right), which is good to prevent motion sickness. The stone steps are uneven, but the points of interests allows a brief rest and very informative description to intake the Cathedral's beauty. Ventilation is very minimal in the stairway passage, and visitors who have any physical limited conditions of confined spaces or heights, or inability to climb stairs, or respiratory issues which I encourage not to participate in this Vertical Tour. My thighs and legs were like gelatin during the upward and downward climb as my physique is not strong statute for this activity. Photography is permitted inside, but no flash usage. Facilities are located on the ground level left passage of "The Poet's Corner," which I recommend utilizing before taking part of the Vertical Tour. Grounds are immaculate clean and amazingly no signs of damage from a past ghastly fire are visible as the Cathedral is returned to its full spectacular glory. The Vertical Tour grant visitors access to view the Cathedral's inner and outer roofs of what lies composing the beauty of the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine. Photographers of all levels are encouraged to press their shutters without limits! As a avid prolific poet, personally, I am overjoyed for "The Poet's Corner" honoring famous poets with short quotes etched in stone where many shaped the literary world. Cathedral of Saint John the Divine -- is a divine living cathedral, no museum, no institution, and certainly no memorial!! Grandeur Gothic Revival architecture.

Used to love going to this church as a local in the neighborhood just to get some time to myself, but was completely disappointed the last time I came and I they're charging a cover to get in! Disappointed that I can't go on my own time to church without paying a fee!

While I was studying abroad in London, I took a fascinating class on London architecture with a crazy, vampire-like man who took us to Westminster Cathedral (nope, not Abbey), a supremely large unfinished Catholic cathedral in London whose creepiest feature was that the walls were entirely black. A year later, that man's friend, my professor for a class on NYC architecture, brought us to a different unfinished cathedral: St. John the Divine. The major difference? This cathedral's Episcopalian and was built to compete with the lavish, Catholic St. Patrick's. A lot of Yelpers seem frustrated at the construction, but I think this in and of itself makes St. John the Divine a unique place to visit. The first time I saw this cathedral, almost the entire interior was covered up. Now, though, the nave is uncovered and nearly empty, making for a truly wonderful experience if you have the patience to sit in the absolute quiet. Part of the transept is also visible, and if you go on a weekend when there are no workers about, you can get a glimpse of where the altar should be. And don't worry, the security guards will pretty much just let you be. The grounds are gorgeous, and it's best to get a good look at them now before Columbia buys them up. Keep on the lookout for the famed peacocks, especially the white one, though by this point, their numbers are dwindling. And don't forget to visit the little garden enclave with the gigantic statue of an angel and a bunch of very violent creatures. I'm not sure about fully-attended services, but I went to the 5:30 Saturday service and was the only one there. It was a bit odd at first, but the attending minister guided me along and even let me read the Gospel passage. Different? Yes. But it was nevertheless a pleasant experience.

Hands-down one of my favorite things about living in Morningside Heights. There are so many great aspects to this beautiful and breathtaking cathedral, I don't know where to begin! From the stunning architecture and dazzling displays of color from the beautiful stained glass windows to the incredible artwork decorating every corner, to their excellent community events and even the gardens in the back that have three peacocks (yes, peacocks!!) gifted by the Cathedral School. There are few places on Earth like this! Truly a marvel.

I don't know anything about this church except it's got a wackadoo statue in its backyard, of a centaur wrestling a lizard and/or a giraffe on top of what looks to me to be a smiling moon made, perhaps, of cheese. (Or, y'know, maybe it's a reasonably straightforward depiction of the Archangel Michael after his defeat of Satan, but, y'know what, I was walking by in a hurry and I saw what I saw, and what I saw was an epic centaur-lizard battle on the moon, okay?) The point is, I am not remotely in a position to be reviewing this church at all, but I will say this: it's massive. Let me reiterate that with typography: IT IS MASSIVE! It's like them big cathedrals they got in Europe, and if you're a fan of those I think you'll be a fan of this. I'll be heading up again someday to give it a more thorough, touristy visit.