This Breathtaking Destination In Illinois Looks Like It Was Ripped From The Pages Of Harry Potter
By Chris Muras|Published November 09, 2022
×
Chris Muras
Author
Every adventure starts with a single step. And then another, and another, until you find yourself somewhere new and undiscovered. That’s the journey of a writer. You never know where the next word will take you. Hopefully, together, we can experience some amazing new adventures at OnlyInYourState.
The Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and its charming band of champions and villains have left their mark on so many of us. It’s like an enchantment was cast upon us by Ms. Rowling herself – perhaps with a wand made of hornbeam wood with a dragon heartstring core.
This enchantment, however, lets us see into the wizarding world even with our muggle eyes. It is for that reason that we are able to step into a bit of magical wonder inspired by centuries past in our very own state of Illinois.
At the heart of the magical University of Chicago campus lies a cathedral so grand it must have been summoned by magic.
The Rockefeller Chapel was gifted to us by none other than John D. Rockefeller himself. It was designed by Gothic revival architect Bertram Goodhue between 1918 and 1924.
Rockefeller envisioned this grand building to be the central and dominant feature of the campus - and it is. At 200.7 feet tall, this Gothic-inspired masterpiece of architecture looks out over the entire campus as the tallest building for miles around.
Advertisement
As you walk through the ornately carved wooden doors, be sure to look up at the breathtaking golden ceiling and world-famous E.M. Skinner organ.
It’s like stepping back in time to a land of kings, queens, wizards, and knights. The intricate details of the woodwork carved from Appalachian white oak must certainly be infused with magic.
Advertisement
The 800-ton ceiling is held aloft only by the strongest of magic - expertly infused by Hildreth Meiere, an art deco muralist (and Hufflepuff) who created the only Gothic vaulted ceiling tiled with colored glass.
As you sit in this chapel and gaze toward the magical stained glass window beneath this masterfully crafted ceiling, you can imagine your house banner proudly displayed to your left or right. A hush falls over the school assembly as Dumbledore himself calls the hall to attention.
Can you imagine Dumbledore giving his address to the students at the start of each school year as the faculty sit in red velvet chairs around him?
Beyond the grand Gothic reredos is the tomb of former university presidents who are buried in the masonry of the cathedral itself. Or so legend would have us believe.
We find ourselves at the bottom of a set of stone steps in Rockefeller Chapel with a beautiful, intricately carved radiator that must certainly be a Horcrux. Which dark wizard do you suppose has entombed their soul inside?
And of course, the Chamber of Secrets is hidden somewhere in the depths of the Rockefeller Chapel.
Along a set of three spiral stone steps that lead to the Chapel tower, you’ll find many dark recesses that certainly hide plenty of secrets. If you dare, the chapel offers tours to the public.
A visit to the Rockefeller Chapel is a must if you appreciate Gothic architecture or would simply love to immerse yourself in our very own piece of the wizarding world right here in Chicago, Illinois.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
