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!

Click here to see pictures from one of our last visits.

See you there!

*Due to the cathedral's COVID-19 protocols, guests must be fully vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus (proof of vaccination required at door) and be wearing a mask while inside the building's premises

**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

"The uniqueness of the perspectives provided by this tour." -Larry

"Loved having access to parts of the cathedral normally hidden from public view" -Cedric

Disclaimer

By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our terms of service.

Categories: In-Person, Houses of Worship