Rockefeller Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rockefeller Chapel |
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| Rockefeller Memorial Chapel | |
Front view of the Chapel
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| 41°47′19″N 87°35′49″W / 41.7885°N 87.5970°W | |
| Country | United States |
| Website | Official website: https://rockefeller.uchicago.edu |
| History | |
| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) |
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| Architectural type | Gothic Revival |
| Style | Collegiate Gothic |
| Years built | 1925–1928 |
| Specifications | |
| Capacity | 1700 |
| Height | 200.7 feet (61.2 m) |
Rockefeller Chapel is a beautiful building on the campus of the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. It looks like an old European church, built in a style called Gothic Revival. This means it was designed to look like the grand churches from the Middle Ages.
The chapel was a gift from John D. Rockefeller, a very important person who helped start the university. He wanted it to be the most important building on campus. It stands very tall, about 200.7 feet high, and can hold 1700 people inside. It is the tallest building at the university. The current dean, who leads the chapel, is Maurice Charles.
Contents
Building Design and Art
Who Designed the Chapel?
The famous architect Bertram Goodhue designed Rockefeller Chapel. He worked on the plans between 1918 and 1924. The chapel was then built from 1925 to 1928. It's amazing because it was built without using modern steel frames!
Art and Sculptures
The chapel is filled with incredible art. There are about 70 sculptures carved into the building. These were made by talented artists named Lee Lawrie and Ulric Ellerhusen. Inside, you can see beautiful mosaic work by Hildreth Meière.
The detailed woodcarvings on the organ and the South balcony are also special. They were created by Alois Lang, a master woodcarver. He helped bring back the old art of church carving. His pieces in the chapel are made from strong White Appalachian Oak wood.
What is the Chapel Used For?
Today, Rockefeller Chapel is a busy place. It is used for many different events:
- Worship services for people of all faiths
- University graduation ceremonies
- Talks by guest speakers
- Concerts and musical performances
- Weddings
- Memorial services
- Sometimes, even movie showings
The chapel takes up most of a city block and is a central part of the university.
The Amazing Carillon Bells
What is a Carillon?
A carillon is a musical instrument made of many bells. These bells are played using a special keyboard. It's like a giant piano, but instead of hammers hitting strings, levers pull on clappers that strike the bells.
The Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon
Rockefeller Chapel has a very special carillon. It is called the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon. This carillon was a separate gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr., the son of the university's founder. He gave it in 1932 to honor his mother, Laura Spelman Rockefeller.
This carillon has 72 bells! It is the second-largest carillon in the world by weight. The only one bigger is at Riverside Church in New York City. Interestingly, John D. Rockefeller Jr. also donated that carillon to honor his mother.
The carillon tower is a tall, impressive part of the chapel. You can often hear the beautiful sound of the bells ringing across the campus.
