Washington National Cathedral

Category: Cathedral

Address: 3101 Wisconsin Ave NW, Washington, DC 20016, USA

Phone: +12025376200

Reviews

Xurko T

Sep 26, 2022

Recommended site, good views, fair and interesting price, full of history

Ricky Bobby

Sep 26, 2022

What an amazing and beautiful Cathedral. If you go on Sunday, there's an organist that plays that makes it that more holy.

David Hawley-Lowry

Sep 25, 2022

Excellent. Great staff and programing. Incredible space.

Cendy Prator

Sep 25, 2022

This was my favorite place so far. The cathedral was beautiful and so packed full with religious and historical architecture and items. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and courteous. I can't wait to go back on my second trip to the DC area.

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Questions & Answers

What year was the Cathedral built?

Richard Foellmer | Sep 26, 2018
Laurie Gale | Sep 26, 2019

Construction began on September 29, 1907, when the foundation stone was laid in the presence of President Theodore Roosevelt and a crowd of more than 20,000, and ended 83 years later when the "final finial" was placed in the presence of President George H. W. Bush in 1990.

How many people fit in the church

dennis hernandez | Sep 26, 2019
Michael Lucas (Luke) | Sep 26, 2019

During the coverage of the funeral of President George HW Bush today, I heard repoting that there are enough seats for 3200 guests.

What is the start and completion date of national cathedral?

william richardson | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

Construction years are 1907 to 1990 (83 years). Funding was and remains private (gifts and donations) without taxpayer or Episcopal Church funding.

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What did it cost to build the cathedral?

Brian O'Laughlin | Sep 26, 2019
scribbles | Sep 25, 2020

Around $65 million

What is Darth Vader's mask on this cathedral?

Mark BestBuddy | Sep 26, 2018
Mario Stylianou | Sep 26, 2018

In the 1980s, while the Cathedral’s two west towers were under construction, the Cathedral held a design-a-carving competition for children. Word of the competition was spread nationwide through National Geographic World magazine. The third-place winner, Christopher Rader, submitted a drawing of that fearful villain: Star Wars’ Darth Vader. The fierce head was sculpted by Jay Hall Carpenter, carved by Patrick J. Plunkett, and placed high upon the northwest tower of the Cathedral. (The other winner designs were a raccoon, a girl with pigtails and braces, and a man with large teeth and an umbrella.)

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what state funerals were held there

The Old Church Chapel | Sep 26, 2019
Brian Mcfarland | Sep 26, 2019

McCain also

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Could I get married here and if so what would the price be?

Deborah Schubert | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

You should contact the cathedral offices to discuss wedding plans - as long as one of the couple is Christian, you can technically get married there -- although the available dates are somewhat limited, every year; the cathedral only conducts perhaps 3 to 4 dozen weddings a year. The office staff could answer price questions -- there are so many options for where (in the building) to get married, size of the wedding, etc., there is no "one price".

When is it open to the public and what time if it does close?

terence saunders | Sep 26, 2018
Nadine Boone | Sep 26, 2018

See the Washington National Cathedral website

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What is the national Cathedral playing at 8:30 on the 4th of July repeatedly?

Dora H. | Sep 26, 2018
James Clark | Sep 26, 2018

Call them and find out.

What does it cost to visit? Asking for a school project in sweden btw :)

My Eklund Bergqvist MAGRe | Oct 30, 2021
Jared Dixon | Oct 30, 2021

It should normally be free. Parking a car does have a fee on most days except Sunday. Occasionally there are also concerts or events that have entry fees.

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The cathedral should be open. Other churches in DC are open.

Ig JPM | Sep 25, 2021
Denis Gomez | Sep 25, 2021

Cathedral is not open yet.

Why is the confederate flag still flying in the national cathedral? I personally don't take issue, but it was a battle flag , not the flag of the confederate states. I would like to learn the reason it still flies amongst all the others.

James Lagasse | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

The Mississippi flag (which still has the "stars-and-bars" emblem seen in the Confederate battle flag) hangs in the nave space, along with all the other 49 states' flags and US territory flags. Two small stained glass windows, honoring Lee and Jackson, featured the Confederate flags in the glass; the windows were removed by the cathedral a couple of years ago, and have not yet been replaced; the removed windows will likely be incorporated into a display elsewhere at the cathedral, at some point in the future.

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What stone is used on the Cathedral

Mary McCown | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

Predominately Indiana limestone (mostly Bedford, IN, and about 150,000 tons of it) over a brick and mortar core.

Is it good parking at National Cathedral

H&J deKorte | Sep 26, 2019
Bruce Bair | Sep 26, 2019

We rode bikes, metro reasonably close, but parking would be on the street and spotty. If youvwalk regularly, the taking the metro and walking would be easiest.

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Flower guild members

Susan Elinsky | Sep 26, 2018
Ythalo Saldanha | Sep 26, 2018

Yes, there has a lot of guides the can help you with information and tours

is there parking lots in national cathedral?

Xiaojie Zhang | Sep 26, 2017
KW Peter Koeppel | Sep 26, 2017

There is an underground parking garage

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Is it for free to get in?

MIOSSOTTYS | Dec 29, 2021
Julie Ledbetter | Dec 29, 2021

Yes

How can I buy a CD of the Chorale music

Jeanne Engelhard | Sep 25, 2020
E. M. Torres | Sep 25, 2020

On their website.

Is the sacrament reserved at the Cathedral?

Drew | Sep 26, 2019
Gerise Jones | Sep 26, 2019

They were getting ready to have a mass while we were visiting. It is truly a beautiful place where it embraces Catholicism, but for any faith to appreciate! A must see for every faith to feel the Presence of the Holy Spirit!

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Do they ring the bells for weddings?

Sophia A | Sep 26, 2019
Michael Rawlinson | Sep 26, 2019

If you pay for the bell ringers.

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Can I park on a street close to the church?

Benedict Chinweuba | Sep 26, 2019
Mike Behr | Sep 26, 2019

There is underground parking at the Cathedral

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We are planning to attend next Sunday's 9 am service. Do we need a pass, or just show up? Also, we're Methodist. Is that OK?

Becky Burkowski | Sep 26, 2019
Steven Harris | Sep 26, 2019

Everyone is welcome at the National Cathedral regardless of Faith or denomination. It is and Episcopal Church, so it will be quite different when compared to a Methodist Church. Just do a bit of research on their services so you will understand what's going on.

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Who was the primary architect

Rishab Telang | Sep 26, 2019
Emily Shouppe | Sep 26, 2019

The cathedral was built over 83 years so there were multiple architects. According to Wikipedia, the first was George Frederick Bodley, and then Philip Hubert Frohman took over after WW1.

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Is there public parking for worship?

Mary Gordon | Sep 26, 2019
Tuscan Sunflower | Sep 26, 2019

I understand that parking in garage is free on Sundays.

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What are services today

Barbara Hall | Sep 26, 2019
Billy Cramer | Sep 26, 2019

There is an 11:15 am service, this morning, and at 4:00 pm is choral Evensong, later today.

does this place have Elevators?

LaserdiscOrganist2007 AllenOrganBabyEinsteinAwesome | Sep 26, 2019
Trey | Sep 26, 2019

Yes, they do have elevators!

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Where is the Alabama flag in the sanctuary

Jeannette Johnson | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

Throughout much of the year, all of the state flags, and the US territory flags, hang down the main central aisle of the nave.

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How do I arrange for 4 passes for the Christmas Eve service? Thank you Adrienne Allison

Adrienne A | Sep 26, 2019
Peter Knowles | Sep 26, 2019

Go online

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Is the cathedral complete?

Cal Netterfield | Sep 26, 2018
Carol Cole Flanagan | Sep 26, 2018

It was damaged by the earthquake and will take approximately ten years to complete repairs.

Good afternoon, I would like to know if there is a Mass in Spanish on Wednesday. ...Thank you

Janet Cedeno | Sep 26, 2018
Amado Lopez | Sep 26, 2018

Sorry I can not give you an answer, I just went to visit Yo Soy de Nueva Jersey

What star wars charter is on the cathedral

Ronald Chadwick | Sep 26, 2017
Christine Funaro | Sep 26, 2017

Darth Vader...how interesting!

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What is the name of the new Lenten study book authored by Cathedral staff?

Susan West | Feb 27, 2022
Billy Cramer | Feb 27, 2022

"The Pilgrim Way of Lent: Meditations from Washington National Cathedral"

Do they have tours

A Google User | Feb 27, 2022
Elma Molina | Feb 27, 2022

They have scheduled sight-seeing events, which are self guided tours.

Why are they fixing the castle?

Jimena Cespedes | Dec 29, 2021
Billy Cramer | Dec 29, 2021

The Cathedral was damaged in the earthquake of 2011, and repairs are ongoing.

Are the Taizè services still held one Sunday afternoon a month? It was always a wow back in the day.

K H John | Dec 29, 2021
#duggiralar Rajesh | Dec 29, 2021

Am sorry I don't know about I was just a visitor to see the architecture

Was this cathedral originally Roman Catholic? Or was it built to be an episcopal church.

Spencer Sayo | Dec 29, 2021
Nick Pazdernik | Dec 29, 2021

It was built by the Episcopalian church.

Do you have to be Episcopalian to have a funeral service at the Washington Cathedral?

Toril Mazzuchi | Nov 29, 2021
LaTanya Sothern | Nov 29, 2021

No - the WNC is called "A house of prayer for all people."

Who photographed the many images of teh Washington National Cathedral?

Sylvia Winik | Sep 25, 2021
Billy Cramer | Sep 25, 2021

The National Cathedral's principal photographer is the talented Danielle Thomas.

What famous head is on top

Lori Davis | Sep 25, 2021
Sean Faison | Sep 25, 2021

Darth Vader, but you can't see him with the naked eye. Bring binoculars or a camera with a telephoto lens. It helps if your camera has a high megapixel count so you can crop the photo because you will need to do some cropping.

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Any idea when you can visit the cathedral again?

Ryan Begin | Sep 25, 2021
Tonya Parham | Sep 25, 2021

Unfortunately no date has yet been announced.

What is a Canon ?

Linda Strauss | Sep 25, 2020
James S. Adams | Sep 25, 2020

A position in the Episcopal Church. The Canon's office at the National Cathedral has a stone carving of a cannon in the mantle, a subtle nod to the homonym of canon/cannon.

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Is there an area that recogonizes Korean War Veterans?

Larry | Sep 25, 2020
Martin Cottingham | Sep 25, 2020

There is a small chapel area within one of the trancepts where there are insignia for all the branches of the armed forces and also tribute stained glass for veterans

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Can I put flower at the grave of Mr President Thomas Woodrow Wilson ?

A Google User | Sep 25, 2020
A C | Sep 25, 2020

Contact the National Cathedral site for more specifics

Do I need tickets to view the Church during the day

Ralph Walsh | Sep 26, 2019
Sol Acuña | Sep 26, 2019

No.

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When do bells toll?

Jeannine Rundell | Sep 26, 2019
Matthew Martinez | Sep 26, 2019

Tuesday Evening Practice: 7:00 – 8:30 PM Sunday Service Ringing: 12:00 – 1:30 PM  (service ringing is 11:00-12:30 over the summer while the Cathedral Eucharist starts at 10 am) Source: https://washingtonringingsociety.org/about/cathedral-practice

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Why is this building important historically?

ClaraBell Fresh | Sep 26, 2019
Aly Mhenni | Sep 26, 2019

Read Dan Brown's "the lost symbol" to know.

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Could you please send me a photograph of the Portrait of Bishop William White by Sully? I believe you have one. Am I correct? Phoebe Griswold

A Google User | Sep 26, 2019
Kathy Pace | Sep 26, 2019

I am afraid I do not.

Do you have pictures of the old wedding chapel in the cathedral?

louisa deane | Sep 26, 2019
Jay Ireland | Sep 26, 2019

https://www.google.com/search?q=photos+of+the+old+wedding+chapel+in+the+National+Cathedral&oq=photos+of+the+old+wedding+chapel+in+the+National+Cathedral&aqs=chrome..69i57.865j0j4&client=ms-android-verizon&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

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Is a ticket to attend Euchrist on Saturday or Sunday?

Janie Smith Starnes | Sep 26, 2019
Evan Witten | Sep 26, 2019

No, for regular eucharists there are no tickets. For special services like Christmas and Easter tickets are required. Sometimes eucharist is cancelled for a concert or other event and those are ticketed.

how do I get to sesame street?

STEELTON WHITE | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher “Chancen” Hansen | Sep 26, 2019

Early mornings around 8am on PBS

How long did it take to build?

John Young | Sep 26, 2019
Matthew Martinez | Sep 26, 2019

About 70 years between 1907 and 1990 with periodic pauses due to wars and other events.

Back in the early 70s, there was a fund raising event where people could donate and have a name inscribed on a stone. My grandparents donated in my name. Is there a way to find where this stone might be? They were from Montana if that helps

John Tourtelot | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

I think you might be thinking of the Roman catholic national Basilica… The Washington National Cathedral on the other hand, does not have individual stones inscribed with donors names from past fundraisers. There are however, scattered throughout the building, memorial inscriptions on many things, since everything was paid for by donation.

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What religion is the National cathedral?

Stacy Atchley | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

It is an important distinction to make; the cathedral is NOT nondenominational. It is in fact protestant Episcopal, and is the seat for the Bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Washington. In keeping with its own mission to operate as a house of prayer for all people, it has convened many services for groups of other faiths and denominations throughout its history. But all of the services which cathedral clergy present, are Episcopalian services.

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Were there presidential weddings at the national cathedral?

Holly Mills | Sep 26, 2019
Sandra Jacobs | Sep 26, 2019

No

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Who's the cardinal of the national cathedral

Jeannette Zaw-Win | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

Washington National Cathedral is a protestant Episcopal Church. The episcopal church as an entity does not have Cardinals like the Roman Catholic Church hierarchy does. The Washington National Cathedral is the official seat for the Bishop of the Episcopal diocese of Washington DC

What metro station is close by

Patricia Gessner | Sep 26, 2019
Mark Froelich | Sep 26, 2019

There isn’t a metro rail line near by, the Red Line comes closest at Cleveland Park

Is this the immaculate conception

Maria Donor | Sep 26, 2019
Laura Krietemeyer | Sep 26, 2019

No, there is a Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Which is Roman Catholic. The Washington National Cathedral is (I think) Episcopal.

What year was the cathedral building started and completed?

Chuck Houghten | Sep 26, 2019
Andrew Bastow | Sep 26, 2019

1910 - 1990 approx.

What architectural style is the National Cathedral

Tom Purcell | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

Predominately, the entire building is constructed in the style of 14th century English Gothic. There are three chapels in the crypt which adopt earlier English styles, such as 13th century Gothic, Norman, and a blending of the two. There are also slight suggestions of Spanish gothic on the south portal, and some 15th century fan vaulting in one of the chapels.

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Is it a Catholic church

Elizabeth Hose | Sep 26, 2019
Andrew Austin | Sep 26, 2019

Depends if you consider Episcopalians catholic.

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How many people does the national cathedral hold?

Theresa Blitch | Sep 26, 2019
John Shiffler | Sep 26, 2019

According to http://justfunfacts.com/interesting-facts-about-the-washington-national-cathedral/ about 4,000. There are multiple chapels within the church structure which can be configured in different ways.

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Who is the dean ?

GARY KNOX | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

The current dean of the cathedral is Randy Hollerith.

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Is restaurant service available at the cathedral?

Sally Brown | Sep 26, 2019
Amanda Gilman | Sep 26, 2019

Open City at National Cathedral

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Nearest metro station

Michael Mason | Sep 26, 2019
Elizabeth Wieand | Sep 26, 2019

Toss up between Woodley Park and Cleavland Park

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What is the all souls celebration thru Nov

Gail Mesa Norman | Sep 26, 2019
Patricia Cutulle | Sep 26, 2019

Sorry, don't know that.

What is the English translation of the Latin quote on the wall of the Cathedral?

Rafael Lopez | Sep 26, 2019
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

I suspect you are referring to the stone, inside, on the stairway leading down to the restrooms. That stone has a “Latin-looking” inscription, GITMO. This however is not Latin, it is the nickname given to the Marines at Guantánamo Bay; the cathedral Dean many decades ago, visited the Marines and preached there, and they sent the stone in return as a gift.

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what time are Sunday services?

Allen Potter | Sep 26, 2019
Diana Nichols | Sep 26, 2019

Check online for latest schedule

Why is it called the National Cathedral

kevin q | Sep 26, 2018
Carol Cole Flanagan | Sep 26, 2018

It was chartered by Congress. It’s official name is the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.

Is it Iiberal and supporting LGBT?

Jonathan Christandy Simamora | Sep 26, 2018
Elecia Jan Busse | Sep 26, 2018

Jesus did not judge people for who they were or what they stood for. Jesus was also a liberal in his dealings with mankind while on this earth. Quit with the stupid, uneducated, biased questions.

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What is the seating capacity for services?

Jodie Billings | Sep 26, 2018
Joi Rutherford | Sep 26, 2018

For a regular Sunday service seating is available for 1000+. For special services (i.e., Christmas Eve, Easter etc)...4000+. Come visit, you won't be disappointed!

What denomination is the cathedral?

Mary Tubbs | Sep 26, 2018
Gerald Frisbie | Sep 25, 2021

Episcopal NOT CATHOLIC

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What time are masses on Sundays

Alfonso De Alba | Sep 26, 2018
Dorothy Hayes | Sep 26, 2018

The Episcopal Church has services, not mass.

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Is there a dress code to be followed? Especially on Sunday?

Subba Lakshmi | Sep 26, 2018
Sharon Lucas | Sep 26, 2018

There is no dress code. It is a place of worship, however, so I feel something like short shorts and a halter top is a little inappropriate.

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How much the tickets to visit the cathedral

Abeer Fashho | Sep 26, 2018
Darya Levchenko | Sep 26, 2018

I was there last Sunday: access is free. Don't forget to check out the 7th floor. The view is stunning!

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Open on Mondays?

Checker Ives | Sep 26, 2018
Adrian Salsgiver | Sep 26, 2018

Soapstone Market is a popular local breakfast spot at 8 a.m. on Monday mornings.

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What's the metro station for the Cathedral?

Adi Aniteye | Sep 26, 2018
Syed Saud Zafar | Sep 26, 2018

Van Ness but then walk or take a bus

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How far is the national cathedral from the grand hyatt washington D.C.

Mitchell Kinkade | Sep 26, 2018
Jaden Jones | Sep 26, 2018

Around 4.2 to 4.5 miles away if heavy traffic

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which metro to take from capitol south to the cathedral?

Krisy Ghonda-Cheek | Sep 26, 2018
F E Downey | Sep 26, 2018

Take Capitol South to Metro Center, transfer to Redline - take to Dupont Circle - use Q ST exit, walk south to 20th & Mass Ave NW, board N6 bus, get off Wisconsin Ave., cathedral to your right.

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Who started to build the national cathedral

Maria Reynosa | Sep 26, 2018
Mark Hawk | Sep 26, 2018

The ground breaking was started in 1907

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Mass schedula for sunday, march 25?

E. mendoza | Sep 26, 2018
Connor Webb | Sep 26, 2018

12 and 3

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Is there a restaurant on the property and at one time high tea was offered. Is this still available?

Ronnie Schneider | Sep 26, 2018
Sima Z | Sep 26, 2018

Yes there is. It's called open city. But I'm not sure about high tea

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I visited many years ago and when i was there i remember small church services in the basement. The services where from around the world. Am I correct in my memory?

Alan Mann | Sep 26, 2018
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

Alan, your question sounds like a memory from the national Basilica… In the Basilica’s crypt lower level, there are chapels funded by congregations from around the world, and small services may be held down there. Washington National Cathedral, to my knowledge, has not held “services from around the world”; it conducts only Episcopal services; however, it has a long history of convening groups of other faiths or denominations to hold their own services in the cathedral space.

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Where do you get a pass for the national cathedral

Maria Smith | Sep 26, 2018
Nancy Munise | Sep 26, 2018

I simply attended a Sunday Eucharist. They do have tours but I didn't do that. I was there in June 2017. They are still doing work on the building from earthquake damage a few years ago. Very informative.

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is the herb cottage still open?

Melinda Proctor | Sep 26, 2018
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

The Herb Cottage gift shop is no longer in operation. The building which housed it, the original cathedral baptistery, now houses the Open City Café, serving cathedral visitors.

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What Metro stop is closest to the Cathedral?

Donna Rogers | Sep 26, 2017
Sima Z | Sep 26, 2017

Van Ness-UDC Station

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Star Wars character at the national cathedral

Jane eilers | Sep 26, 2017
Christopher Budny | Sep 26, 2019

A stone carving of the head of Darth Vader is on the cathedral's exterior, one of about 1,400 such carvings (called grotesques). The carving isn't actually a gargoyle (those carvings will spout rainwater from their mouths during a heavy storm -- there are 112 gargoyles on the building.) It was the result of a 1980 nationwide competition for grade school children to propose 4 new grotesques to be added to the cathedral.

What Star Wars character is there

James Staples | Sep 26, 2017
Dave McCuen | Sep 26, 2017

They have Darth Vader gargoyle style masks.... about the size of a bowling ball, in the gift shop. It's a replica of the actual Darth Vader gargoyle on the outside of the building.

What is the attire to attend Holy Eucharist on Sunday morning?

Marguerite Herrick | Sep 26, 2017
KW Peter Koeppel | Sep 26, 2017

I would suggest a dress which reflects the occasion: respectful in general, with adaptation to specific occasions (e.g something red on Pentecost; something perhaps exuberant, joyful on Easter;... )

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Are their any trolley tours that stop at National Cathedral

Whippet Bass | Sep 26, 2017
Washington National Cathedral | Sep 26, 2017

All the sightseeing trolleys stop at the Cathedral ... Old Town, Open Top ... nice and easy way to visit!

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