New York City, New York
The Riverside Church in the City of New York is a monumental interdenominational church located in the Morningside Heights neighborhood of Manhattan. Built by John D. Rockefeller Jr., it is famous for its towering Neo-Gothic architecture and its long history of social justice activism.
The church features a massive 392-foot bell tower housing the Laura Spelman Rockefeller Memorial Carillon, one of the largest in the world. Its interior is modeled after the 13th-century Gothic cathedral in Chartres, France.
Visitors can join a guided tour of the church and tower (when available), attend a Sunday service, or listen to the magnificent carillon and organ performances. The church also hosts numerous community events and lectures.
Sunday mornings offer the chance to experience the full grandeur of the liturgy and music. Weekdays are better for a quiet architectural tour.
The church is open to the public daily. While entry to the nave is free, there may be a fee for tower tours or special events.
The church includes a visitor center, a gift shop, and accessible facilities. Restrooms are available for visitors.
Don't miss the chance to see the views from the tower if tours are running. The church is located near several other landmarks, making it easy to include in a day of sightseeing in Upper Manhattan.
Nearby landmarks include Columbia University, the General Grant National Memorial (Grant's Tomb), and Sakura Park.