Enjoy an intimate look at the Dominican Sisters' magnificent mid-century modern chapel.

Springfield, Ill.—After a long hiatus, the Dominican Sisters of Springfield are ready to welcome guests for tours of Sacred Heart Convent Chapel.

The convent chapel, completed in 1968, is one of Springfield’s’ most significant examples of mid-century modern architecture, art, and design.

The 2024-2025 tour schedule includes five free public events. The first tour is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Sunday, October 13, 2024.

During a 2022 presentation on the architectural and historical significance of Sacred Heart Convent, Anthony Rubano, Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for the State of Illinois, called the chapel “a spiritual anchor with amazing presence and power.”

A local architectural firm, Hadley and Worthington, received the commission for the entire Sacred Heart Convent complex. The chapel’s 40-foot vaulted basilica-like frame provides the setting for 4,000 square feet of faceted slab glass designed by French glass artist Gabriel Loire. The mosaics, reminiscent of Byzantine iconography, were commissioned by Deprato Rigali Studios in Chicago and crafted by Italian guild artists from Venetian glass.

" A spiritual anchor with amazing presence and power.” —Anthony Rubano, Deputy State Historic Preservation

“We are so pleased to be able to offer chapel tours once again,” said Sister Rose Marie Riley, prioress of Sacred Heart Convent. “We will be pleased to share with the public the magnificent space where we are privileged to pray, every day, for the life of the world.”

Tours are free to guests; registration is required.

The Dominican Sisters of Springfield were founded in Jacksonville, Ill., in 1873 and relocated to Springfield in 1893. The dedication ceremony for the new chapel took place on October 7, 1968, the Feast of the Holy Rosary.

Here is more information about how you can join the mission of the Dominican Sisters of Springfield.