Information
Landmark: Basilica of Saint MaryCity: Minneapolis
Country: USA Minnesota
Continent: North America
Basilica of Saint Mary, Minneapolis, USA Minnesota, North America
Overview
Basilica of Saint Mary stands as landmark of profound religious and architectural significance at 88 North 17th Street in Loring Park neighborhood.
It holds distinction of being first church in United States receiving title of minor basilica granted by Pope Pius XI back in 1926.
Emmanuel Louis Masqueray a French-American architect designed Basilica between 1907 and 1914 with subsequent interior work plodding along till 1925.
Masqueray was a big deal for merging Beaux-Arts principles with classical and Renaissance flair evident in Basilica's ridiculously harmonious proportions.
Durable Rockville granite and white Vermont granite comprise the building's foundation and exterior walls lending structure a stately luminous presence.
A grandiose colonnaded portico dominates façade inviting visitors quite majestically into sacred space beneath ornate architectural flourishes.
A striking 15-foot-diameter rose window sits above entrance crafted from stained glass bathing interior with diffused colorful light.
Basilica's vast nave accommodates nearly 3,000 worshippers making it one of largest sacred spaces pretty much throughout that region.
Soaring marble columns and a barrel-vaulted ceiling rising precipitously 82 feet above floor characterize interior with grandeur and majestic flair.
A carefully chosen color palette of white blue red and gold adorns the ceiling and walls symbolizing virtues associated with Virgin Mary.
A magnificent dome soaring 138 feet above floor crowns sanctuary and is topped by lantern and bronze cross reaching 200 feet overall.
Majestically this dome forms a focal point drawing eyes upward somewhat traditionally symbolizing spiritual elevation quite effectively in ornate surroundings.60 stained glass windows narrate biblical stories and saintly virtues throughout Basilica premises contributing significantly to a very contemplative atmosphere.
Meticulous craftsmanship and attention symbolic detail reinforce Basilica's role as house of worship and masterpiece of sacred art deeply.
Basilica of Saint Mary replaced rather antiquated Church of Immaculate Conception amidst Minneapolis's burgeoning warehouse district under Archbishop John Ireland's watchful patronage.
Construction started in 1907 amidst frenetic growth optimism swirling around city streets reflecting Catholic Church commitment to serving a rapidly burgeoning population.
Basilica was designated minor basilica by Vatican in 1926 a rare honor recognizing architectural distinction and its importance as center of Catholic life.
Formal consecration occurred quite solemnly in nineteen forty-one amidst Ninth National Eucharistic Congress underscoring national religious prominence rather majestically.
Basilica was added to National Register of Historic Places in 1975 further acknowledging significance as architectural landmark with remarkably well-preserved Beaux-Arts design.
Minneapolis church serves as vital spiritual home and cultural hub simultaneously within city's diverse vibrant eclectic community atmosphere.
Beyond architectural grandeur Basilica serves as vibrant hub for worshippers and community members gathering regularly in fairly dimly lit spacious surroundings.
It hosts regular Masses with weekday services and special liturgical events very frequently throughout each year.
Saint Joseph Chapel nestled deep within Basilica offers serene ambiance for fervent daily Mass and utterly private fervent prayer.
Basilica's role extends deeply into arts through support of eclectic musical ensembles like Basilica Cathedral Choir and Schola Cantorum somewhat successfully.
One of the finest pipe organs in this region boasts 82 ranks of pipes having been installed in 1949 and refurbished recently.
Basilica nurtures an artist-in-residence program quite vigorously and collaborates with various local arts organizations making it rather vibrant culturally.
Visitors exploring Basilica of Saint Mary can wander in quite freely during open hours typically from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM on weekdays.
Weekday parking costs a pretty penny but after 5:00 PM deeply discounted rates kick in and on weekends parking is gratis.
More parking spaces are available pretty nearby at Minneapolis College parking ramp.
Basilica offers self-guided tours and docent-led tours on Sundays after major Masses and by appointment on some weekdays occasionally.
Tours offer profoundly detailed looks at Basilica architecture history and artwork thereby significantly enhancing visitor appreciation of such ornate spaces.
Basilica of Saint Mary embodies Minneapolis's deeply rooted spiritual legacy and ornate architectural splendor amidst vibrant community life.
Exquisite craftsmanship and symbolic artistry meld with Beaux-Arts design creating a reverent atmosphere that fosters deep reflection and inspires profound awe.
It occupies a singular niche in American Catholicism as nation's first minor basilica and remains a stalwart beacon of faith deeply embedded in Minneapolis.
It holds distinction of being first church in United States receiving title of minor basilica granted by Pope Pius XI back in 1926.
Emmanuel Louis Masqueray a French-American architect designed Basilica between 1907 and 1914 with subsequent interior work plodding along till 1925.
Masqueray was a big deal for merging Beaux-Arts principles with classical and Renaissance flair evident in Basilica's ridiculously harmonious proportions.
Durable Rockville granite and white Vermont granite comprise the building's foundation and exterior walls lending structure a stately luminous presence.
A grandiose colonnaded portico dominates façade inviting visitors quite majestically into sacred space beneath ornate architectural flourishes.
A striking 15-foot-diameter rose window sits above entrance crafted from stained glass bathing interior with diffused colorful light.
Basilica's vast nave accommodates nearly 3,000 worshippers making it one of largest sacred spaces pretty much throughout that region.
Soaring marble columns and a barrel-vaulted ceiling rising precipitously 82 feet above floor characterize interior with grandeur and majestic flair.
A carefully chosen color palette of white blue red and gold adorns the ceiling and walls symbolizing virtues associated with Virgin Mary.
A magnificent dome soaring 138 feet above floor crowns sanctuary and is topped by lantern and bronze cross reaching 200 feet overall.
Majestically this dome forms a focal point drawing eyes upward somewhat traditionally symbolizing spiritual elevation quite effectively in ornate surroundings.60 stained glass windows narrate biblical stories and saintly virtues throughout Basilica premises contributing significantly to a very contemplative atmosphere.
Meticulous craftsmanship and attention symbolic detail reinforce Basilica's role as house of worship and masterpiece of sacred art deeply.
Basilica of Saint Mary replaced rather antiquated Church of Immaculate Conception amidst Minneapolis's burgeoning warehouse district under Archbishop John Ireland's watchful patronage.
Construction started in 1907 amidst frenetic growth optimism swirling around city streets reflecting Catholic Church commitment to serving a rapidly burgeoning population.
Basilica was designated minor basilica by Vatican in 1926 a rare honor recognizing architectural distinction and its importance as center of Catholic life.
Formal consecration occurred quite solemnly in nineteen forty-one amidst Ninth National Eucharistic Congress underscoring national religious prominence rather majestically.
Basilica was added to National Register of Historic Places in 1975 further acknowledging significance as architectural landmark with remarkably well-preserved Beaux-Arts design.
Minneapolis church serves as vital spiritual home and cultural hub simultaneously within city's diverse vibrant eclectic community atmosphere.
Beyond architectural grandeur Basilica serves as vibrant hub for worshippers and community members gathering regularly in fairly dimly lit spacious surroundings.
It hosts regular Masses with weekday services and special liturgical events very frequently throughout each year.
Saint Joseph Chapel nestled deep within Basilica offers serene ambiance for fervent daily Mass and utterly private fervent prayer.
Basilica's role extends deeply into arts through support of eclectic musical ensembles like Basilica Cathedral Choir and Schola Cantorum somewhat successfully.
One of the finest pipe organs in this region boasts 82 ranks of pipes having been installed in 1949 and refurbished recently.
Basilica nurtures an artist-in-residence program quite vigorously and collaborates with various local arts organizations making it rather vibrant culturally.
Visitors exploring Basilica of Saint Mary can wander in quite freely during open hours typically from 9:00 AM till 5:00 PM on weekdays.
Weekday parking costs a pretty penny but after 5:00 PM deeply discounted rates kick in and on weekends parking is gratis.
More parking spaces are available pretty nearby at Minneapolis College parking ramp.
Basilica offers self-guided tours and docent-led tours on Sundays after major Masses and by appointment on some weekdays occasionally.
Tours offer profoundly detailed looks at Basilica architecture history and artwork thereby significantly enhancing visitor appreciation of such ornate spaces.
Basilica of Saint Mary embodies Minneapolis's deeply rooted spiritual legacy and ornate architectural splendor amidst vibrant community life.
Exquisite craftsmanship and symbolic artistry meld with Beaux-Arts design creating a reverent atmosphere that fosters deep reflection and inspires profound awe.
It occupies a singular niche in American Catholicism as nation's first minor basilica and remains a stalwart beacon of faith deeply embedded in Minneapolis.
