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) |
The Rockefeller Chapel is a beautiful building at the University of Chicago in Chicago, Illinois. It looks like an old European church, built in a style called Gothic Revival. This means it uses ideas from medieval Gothic churches.
The chapel was a gift from John D. Rockefeller, a very rich man. He wanted it to be the most important building on the campus. It is the tallest building there, standing over 200 feet (about 61 meters) high. The chapel can hold 1700 people inside.
Building Design
The famous architect Bertram Goodhue designed the Rockefeller Chapel. He worked on the plans between 1918 and 1924. The chapel was built from 1925 to 1928. It was made without using a steel frame, which was common for buildings of its size back then.
The chapel has about 70 sculptures carved into its walls. These were made by artists Lee Lawrie and Ulric Ellerhusen. Inside, you can see amazing mosaic art by Hildreth Meière. The beautiful wood carvings on the organ and balcony were created by Alois Lang. He was a master at carving wood, bringing old carving styles back to life. His work in the chapel is made from strong White Appalachian Oak wood.
Today, the chapel is used for many different events. People come for church services, university ceremonies, and to hear guest speakers. It also hosts music concerts, weddings, and memorial services. Sometimes, movies are even shown there!
The Carillon Tower
The chapel has a tall tower that holds a special musical instrument called a Carillon. This carillon is named the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon. It was a gift from John D. Rockefeller Jr., John D. Rockefeller's son, in 1932. He gave it to honor his mother.
A carillon is like a giant set of bells that can be played like a piano. The Rockefeller Chapel's carillon has 72 bells. It is the second-largest carillon in the world based on how much it weighs. The largest carillon is at the Riverside Church in New York City. Interestingly, John D. Rockefeller Jr. also gave that carillon to honor his mother.
