Built during the Gilded Age and Progressive Era, The Cathedral of St. John the Divine in upper Manhattan is a product of its time — and one that is still unfinished over 125 years later. But how did the world's largest cathedral end up in New York City? It's time to uncover the history and architecture of the world’s largest cathedral from ground floor to roof.
Join New York Adventure Club for an exclusive, after-hours vertical tour of The Cathedral of St. John the Divine, the mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the Seat of its Bishop.
Held after St. John closes to the public, our behind-the-scenes experience at the largest cathedral in the world will include:
- A discussion around the history and story behind the cathedral, and why it's built in two different architectural styles
- An exclusive look at the famous Guastavino tile spiral staircase
- A trip all the way up one of the cathedral's spiral staircases with stops along the way including the triforium, a buttress, and ceiling above the nave — a total of 124 feet
- A closer look at stained glass windows, sculptures, and grand architecture only seen from high above the ground floor
Our experience will conclude on the roof for sweeping views of the NYC skyline!
See you there!
*Please bring water and wear a comfortable pair of shoes as we’ll be doing a lot of walking and stair climbing for the duration of the tour — 10 stories in total!
**Please note that the spiral stairwells are quite narrow, and can be uncomfortable for those with claustrophobia — if you choose to not ascend the cathedral stairs, you may wait on the ground floor for the group to return
Testimonials
"I love beautiful building to see." -Claudia
"An occasional photograph." -Janet
"Focus on architectural development & elements." -Katie
"Lots of information and audience interaction." -Eileen
"Engaging speaker, great images, comprehensive content. It was great!" -Rhonda
"Good photos. Lots of information about architecture." -Peter
"I love the topic, number of old photos." -Heidi
"I love the ability to explore the upper reaches of the cathedral." -Amita
"Getting all the information provided by tour guide that related to the church' history; history of the neighborhood; being taken to parts of the church that are fascinating and offer a perspective that's outstanding. Great view of the city, and taking excellent pictures." -Larry
"Our guide was very knowledgeable about the Cathedral , especially Gothic architecture in general." -Deirdre
"The guide was extremely knowledgeable and engaging. Our group had a lot of questions and I appreciated how the guide was willing the extend the tour time if needed so we weren't rushed. Overall great experience." -Staci M
"Chance to see architecture up close." -Edward
"The history of the cathedral." -Jane
"The after-hours experience." -Julia Q
"Well organized." -Bob
"The uniqueness of the perspectives provided by this tour." -Larry
"Everything!!" -Nicole
"Loved having access to parts of the cathedral normally hidden from public view" -Cedric
" Excellent information, exciting views" -Robin
" Cheryl, our guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic." -Veronica
" We got to visit areas that are closed to the general public" -Robin W.
" Knowledge of tour guide. Access to parts not normally accessible on daytime tours." -Joanne
" The presenter was very nice and informative." -Susan
" It was great to see the view from the roof and spend some time in the church after hours." -Aydan
" Very good guide on architecture and religious imagery meaning" -Mark
" Great information. Amazing to see the cathedral from these Perspectives" -Helen
" Getting access to areas the general public does not have access to, and having two interesting and informative guides" -Catherine
" Our guide was very knowledgeable, answered questions and provided really interesting information throughout the tour. The pace was good and we covered everything as promised. Highly recommend." -Lauren
"Guide was very knowledgeable about the cathedral so I could ask a lot of questions." -Jun
"I loved getting to learn about the history of the church and its architecture and climbing up the secret staircases. Overall, it was an amazingly curated event." -Tatiana
"Small group size. Explored areas not open to the public." -Charlie
"Loved our guide and the ability to climb around the stairwells of the Cathedral!!!" -Sue
"I'm an Architect, I enjoy see buildings and getting inside the structure of one is special" -Gary
"Enthusiastic guide" -Amy
"The guide's knowledge and enthusiasm" -Olga
"Lots of information on the history of the Cathedral. The guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. 100% enjoyed it. Definitely recommend." -Dawn
"Information was given in a clear and understandable manner which allowed for enjoyment of the session. A LOT of information! Our guide and her helpers were wonderful and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable evening! Thank you!" -Elizabeth
"The tour was perfect. I have attended many NYC tours as a local and this was above and beyond. Amazing experience! Cheryl was a brilliant guide, her delivery was engaging, interesting, detailed and focused on the theme of the tour. Well done! I will attend more NYC Adventure tours, love the behind the scenes knowledge, makes the tour worthwhile. Thank You Cheryl!" -Chari
"Being almost alone (only 7 in the group) in such an incredible space.
Access to areas not open to the public was great." -Leandro
"The guide did a great job of packing in a lot of information, fascinating anecdotes, and keeping it conversational without being overwhelming or droning on." -Jessica
"Information provided and the climb up the spiral staircases." -Kenneth
"Having access to areas of the cathedral I had never imagined I would get to see was fantastic... AND we had the pleasure of having an organist practice while we were visiting... it was magical like we had our own soundtrack!" -Paul
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Categories: In-Person, Houses of Worship
