On this adventurous tour, climb more than 124 feet through spiral staircases to the
top of the world’s largest cathedral. Learn stories through stained glass windows and sculpture, and study the grand architecture
of the Cathedral while standing on a buttress. The tour culminates with a great view of Manhattan. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.6, L.1, L.4, L.5, L.6

Enter the exciting world of the Middle Ages and appreciate the historic role cathedrals played as centers of culture, worship, trade, and pilgrimage. Explore how the role of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is similar to and different from a medieval cathedral.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.3, SL.6, L.1, L.4, L.5, L.6

Explore the geometric shapes and patterns found in the Cathedral. Investigate math in real life as you discover how shapes, numbers, and measurements influence the building of the Cathedral. Discover geometric shapes and principles within the Cathedral’s design, including the traditional cross-shaped floor plan, Romanesque and Gothic arches, and patterns in stone and glass.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy. CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.6, L.1, L.4, L.5, L.6; CCSS.Math.Practice.MP3

Investigate the architectural styles used to build the Cathedral and explore the architectural design process and its relationship with geometry. Examine the importance of mathematical relationships that create stability and beauty throughout the building. CCSS. ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.6, L.1, L.4, L.5, L.6; CCSS.Math.Practice.MP3, MP

Appreciate the Cathedral as a “house of prayer for all people.” View and discuss the parallels between Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and the Vedic traditions
as they are represented in the Cathedral’s architecture and artwork. CCSS.ELA-Literacy. CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.3, SL.6, L.1, L.4, L.5, L.6

Examine the role of diversity among cultures emigrating to New York during the 19th and 20th centuries by exploring the Cathedral’s history, neighborhood, and mission. Experience the many ways that the Cathedral continues to celebrate values of inclusion, acceptance, and welcome.

Do you want your students to observe, sketch or see a specific piece of art? Sign up for a self-guided tour!

Imagine a community piece that could proudly stand in the Cathedral alongside Jewish menorahs, prayer chests from Thailand, and sculptures of Martin Luther King, Jr. and Mohandas Gandhi. This workshop challenges students to consider their own place as individuals and community members by creating a symbolic object that represents the community of their choice. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.3, SL.6, L.1, L.6

We're happy to adapt programming to the needs and interests of each group. Please contact us to mix and match tours and workshops that best support what your students are learning.

Merge shape and line to master the art of geometry. Employ drafting tools to devise
a model elevation of a cathedral; create symmetrical patterns through stained glass and mosaic collages; design rose windows
or Celtic knots; and form an original origami peacock or church. Activities vary by age group. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.6, L.1, L.6; CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.5, MP.6

Discover the arts of the Middle Ages and of cathedral building. Carve a block of limestone; create an illuminated letter; sculpt a clay gargoyle; weave on a loom; make a brass rubbing; and design a stained glass collage. CCSS.ELA-Literacy. CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.6, L.1, L.2, L.6

Experience the architectural process by employing the three architectural principles: stability, function, and beauty. With the Cathedral of St. John the Divine as inspiration, use found and recycled materials to design and build a model of an original cathedral. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.7, SL.1, SL.2, SL.6, L.1, L.6; CCSS.Math.Practice.MP3, MP.5, MP.6

Talk with Artist in Residence Chris Pellettieri about his work, and learn the variety of artistic and scientic ways in which stone is used in the Cathedral! In this two-hour experiential workshop, practice with specialized tools in stone and plaster, plan a piece of architecture, and assemble an arch. Chris will then demonstrate stone carving in a class project to take home.
Call (212) 932-7347 for rates. CCSS. ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.1, R.1, R.7, SL.1, SL.2, & L.1; CCSS.Math.Practice.MP.1, MP.3

Explore the Morningside Heights neighborhood then and now by looking closely at archival images of the Cathedral’s construction, as well as maps and aerial images from the past and today. Think critically about ideas like community and welcome and learn about one of New York City’s largest structures.

Take a deep-dive into the architectural design process and discover how geometric shapes and architectural principles formed the Cathedral of St. John the Divine. Look closely at the importance of mathematical relationships that create stability and beauty throughout the building and gain an appreciation for how stone structures stand tall.

Enter the exciting world of the Middle Ages and appreciate the historic role cathedrals played as centers of culture, worship, trade, and pilgrimage. Explore how the role of the Cathedral of St. John the Divine is similar to and different from a medieval cathedral.

On this adventurous tour, virtually climb more than 124 feet through spiral staircases to the top of the world’s largest cathedral. Using high-quality video footage, our educators will “walk” you through stories of the stained glass and sculpture and study the grand architecture of the Cathedral.