Cathedral of St. John the Divine

What to know

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is a massive architectural landmark located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Serving as the cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of New York, it is chartered as a house of prayer for all people. The building is a global landmark and is recognized as the largest Gothic cathedral in the world, spanning a full avenue block from Amsterdam Avenue east to Morningside Drive. Construction began in 1892 with an original Byzantine-Romanesque design intended to rival St. Patrick’s Cathedral on Fifth Avenue. However, by 1909, the architectural plans were updated to the more fashionable Gothic style. Despite being consecrated on November 30, 1941, the structure is officially considered unfinished. As of 2025, major construction has ceased, with funds instead prioritizing social initiatives, community programming, and architectural maintenance. Visitors can admire the distinctive facade, grand staircase, and great bronze doors. The interior accommodates a general capacity of 2,500 people and hosts a wide array of activities, including Holy Eucharist, Choral Evensong, and a soup kitchen. The cathedral also hosts a notable Annual Winter Solstice Celebration featuring dance and music, cementing its status as an iconic center of arts and community outreach in New York City.

Visitor tips

• Timed tickets are strongly encouraged for visitors to ensure entry.
• If visiting by subway, take the 1, B, or C train to the 110th Street / Cathedral Parkway station.
• Wheelchair access is available via a ramp located just north of the main entrance off Amsterdam Avenue.
• Plan your visit between 9:30am and 5pm Monday through Saturday, or 12pm to 5pm on Sundays.

Nearby context

Located in Morningside Heights, the cathedral anchors the neighborhood's academic and spiritual atmosphere, stretching across the block from Amsterdam Avenue to Morningside Drive.