The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is the world's largest Gothic Cathedral, combining soaring architecture with intimate spaces that inspire awe and reflection.
Admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and $10 for students for those visiting the Cathedral for sightseeing purposes. All those who are seeking a place for prayer or meditation will be welcomed without charge.
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine, the mother church of the Episcopal Diocese of New York and the Seat of its Bishop, is chartered as a house of prayer for all people and a unifying center of intellectual light and leadership. It serves the many diverse people of our Diocese, City, Nation and World through an array of liturgical, cultural and civic events; pastoral, educational and community outreach activities; and maintains the preservation of the great architectural and historic site that is its legacy.
Is the Cathedral the largest church in the world? St. John is the largest Cathedral in the world, meaning a church that is also the seat of a Bishop. Measured by length or internal volume, it is one of the five largest church buildings in the world.
How old is the Cathedral? Construction of the Cathedral began in 1892, making it over 125 years old.
Why is the Cathedral unfinished? When will it be completed? Like the great Medieval cathedrals and churches of the world, St. John the Divine will continue to be constructed over many centuries. Currently, funding is directed to prioritize serving the community through our programming and social initiatives, and to maintaining the architectural integrity of the Cathedral.
Is the Cathedral landmarked? The Cathedral and the Cathedral Close were landmarked by the New York City Landmarks Preservation Commission in February 2017. The Cathedral’s Madeleine L’Engle Library, located in Diocesan House, was designated a Literary Landmark by the American Library Association in 2012.
Those entitled to complimentary sightseeing admission include:
-Our Neighbors (residents of NYC zip codes 10025, 10026, 10027, with proof of residency) -Columbia University Students (with valid ID) -Staff of Neighborhood Institutions in the immediate vicinity of the Cathedral (includes hospitals, nursing homes & schools) -Our Friends - Clergy (of any tradition), members of the Anglican Communion (Episcopalians & members of the New York Diocese) -Members of the military and their families (active or veteran) -Staff of other cultural institutions—plus one guest (proof of eligibility includes staff ID or membership card from AAM, ICOM or the Museums Council of New York City) -Families with the Cool Culture Pass (free admission for up to 5 family members)
We also accept: The New York Pass The Sightseeing Pass
How to get here
The Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Avenue
at 112th Street
New York, NY 10025
Driving Directions
From the North and East sides: FDR Drive to 96th Street; west on 97th Street; north on Amsterdam Avenue to 112th Street.
From the North and West sides: Henry Hudson Parkway to 125th Street exit; east on 125th Street; south on Amsterdam Avenue to 112th Street.
From the South or West sides: New Jersey Turnpike north or I-80 east to the George Washington Bridge; Henry Hudson Parkway South to 125th Street exit; east on 125th Street; south on Amsterdam Avenue to 112th Street.
Public Transportation
By subway: Take the 1, B, or C Train to the 110th Street / Cathedral Parkway station.
By bus: take the M4 or M104 to Broadway at 112th Street or the M11 to Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street.
Parking
There is no public parking on the grounds of the Cathedral. Individual cars may park at one of the garages nearby or find street parking.
Scheduled groups may park their buses or vans outside the Cathedral on Amsterdam Avenue while they are visiting the Cathedral. Bus engines must be turned off.
Wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center on a first come, first served basis. Lifts inside provide access to eastern areas of the Cathedral.
Tips
The Shop at the Cathedral
The Shop is open daily and is located near the Visitor Center. The Shop specializes in unique items from local artisans, small producers, and fair trade certified sellers. Every purchase supports economic, social, and environmental causes in our community and across the globe. Each of our products is chosen with care and with the highest regard to fair labor practices and sustainability.
Luggage and Coat Check
The Cathedral does not have a coat-check facility. Luggage and large bags are strongly discouraged and are subject to search by Cathedral Security. Food and drink are not allowed in the Cathedral.
The Cathedral reserves the right to decide what luggage and bags are permitted. Questions about the Cathedral's luggage and backpack policy can be referred to the Security Office at (212) 316-7556.
Lost and Found
If you have left something behind at the Cathedral, call the Security Office at (212) 316-7556.
Photography
Still photography is permitted for private, noncommercial use only. Photography and video are not permitted during services. Tripods are allowed only with permission from Cathedral Security. Wedding photography is not permitted except for couples being wed in the Cathedral.
Sketching
Groups who wish to sketch in the Cathedral must contact the Public Education and Visitor Services Department to reserve a date. Please fill out the self-guided group form, or email [email protected]
Families
The Cathedral is proud to partner with Cool Culture. This family pass gives parents, grandparents, and caregivers cultural experiences and love of learning. Please see the Cool Culture website for how to access this pass.
The Department of Public Education and Visitor Services offers a range of guided visits for individuals and groups with special needs. For more information call the Public Education Office at (212) 932-7347.
