Bigelow Chapel

Bigelow Chapel is a historic chapel located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is part of the Lakewood Cemetery. The chapel was designed by Harry Wild Jones and Franklin Ellerbe, and its construction was completed in 1910. It was built as a memorial to Horace Bigelow, a prominent Minneapolis businessman, by his wife, Eleanor Bigelow. The chapel is known for its stunning Byzantine architecture and beautiful stained glass windows, which were designed by John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany.

● History

The history of Bigelow Chapel dates back to the early 20th century, when Horace Bigelow passed away, leaving behind a significant fortune and a legacy in Minneapolis. His wife, Eleanor Bigelow, decided to build a chapel in his memory, and she commissioned Harry Wild Jones and Franklin Ellerbe to design the building. The construction of the chapel began in 1908 and was completed in 1910, with a dedication ceremony attended by prominent figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and William Howard Taft. Over the years, the chapel has undergone several restorations, including a major renovation in the 1980s, which was led by the Lakewood Cemetery association and supported by the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the University of Minnesota.

● Architecture

The architecture of Bigelow Chapel is a unique blend of Byzantine architecture and Romanesque architecture, with a mix of Gothic architecture elements. The building features a large dome and a narthex, which are typical of Byzantine architecture. The chapel's design was influenced by the works of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, and its construction used materials such as limestone and marble. The building's interior features beautiful stained glass windows, which were designed by John La Farge and Louis Comfort Tiffany, and its exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and ornaments. The chapel's design has been compared to that of the Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey, and the Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy.

● Notable_features

Bigelow Chapel features several notable elements, including its stunning stained glass windows, which depict scenes from the Bible and the lives of saints such as Saint Peter and Saint Paul. The chapel's interior also features a large pipe organ, which was built by the Aeolian Company and is considered one of the finest examples of pipe organ craftsmanship in the United States. The chapel's exterior is adorned with intricate carvings and ornaments, which were designed by John Massey Rhind and Lee Lawrie. The building's dome is also notable, as it is one of the largest and most impressive in the United States, and its design was influenced by the works of Michelangelo and Raphael.

● Location

Bigelow Chapel is located in Lakewood Cemetery, which is a historic cemetery in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The cemetery is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Hubert Humphrey and Walter Mondale, and it features several other historic buildings and monuments, such as the Lakewood Cemetery mausoleum and the Minneapolis war memorial. The chapel is situated on a hill overlooking Lake Calhoun and the Minneapolis skyline, and its location provides a stunning view of the surrounding area. The chapel is also close to other notable landmarks, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the University of Minnesota.

● Significance

Bigelow Chapel is significant not only for its stunning architecture and beautiful stained glass windows but also for its historical and cultural importance. The chapel is a testament to the legacy of Horace Bigelow and his family, who were prominent figures in Minneapolis society. The building is also a notable example of Byzantine architecture in the United States, and its design has influenced the work of other architects, such as Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan. The chapel has been recognized as a historic landmark by the National Park Service and the Minneapolis Historic Preservation Commission, and it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The chapel is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world, including Pope John Paul II and Nelson Mandela. Category:Historic buildings in the United States