Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist

The Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist is a Catholic church in downtown Milwaukee with neoclassical architecture. The building features large columns, cream city brick walls, and a prominent tower that stands out from Cathedral Square Park.

Archbishop John Henni raised funds to build the cathedral in 1847, making it one of the city's earliest major religious structures. A severe fire in 1935 destroyed most of the interior, leaving only the tower, which later served as the foundation for reconstruction.

The cathedral displays thirteen hand-cut stained glass windows created by the T.C. Esser Company, showing religious artistry through colored glass. These windows tell biblical stories and shape how light fills the interior space.

The building sits in a central location and is easy to reach from the street, making it simple to visit while walking through downtown. Regular services and occasional tours allow visitors to explore the interior and learn more about the cathedral's features.

In 2002 the interior underwent a major reimagining with a modern replacement for the traditional altar, created by prominent Italian artists. This bold choice combines the historic brick and columns with contemporary art, showing how the cathedral balances preservation with modern expression.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1847

Architects: Victor Schulte

Architectural style: Neoclassical architecture

Phone: +14142769814

Website: https://stjohncathedral.org

GPS coordinates: 43.04179,-87.90413

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:44