St. Joan of Arc Chapel

St. Joan of Arc Chapel is a Gothic chapel at Marquette University in Milwaukee, constructed of stone with pointed arches and ribbed vaults featuring authentic medieval architectural elements. The interior displays ancient Spanish tapestries and historical artifacts that reflect the building's storied past.

Originally built in France during the 15th century, the chapel was transported stone by stone to New York in 1927 before settling permanently in Milwaukee. The structure represents a preserved example of the Gothic period when this architectural style flourished across medieval Europe.

The chapel serves Marquette University's Catholic community with regular services and offers students a quiet space for prayer and spiritual reflection. Visitors notice how the medieval setting creates a sense of reverence that contrasts with the modern campus surrounding it.

Visitors can explore the chapel during regular operating hours, though access may vary depending on ongoing services or events taking place on campus. It is helpful to confirm access times beforehand, particularly on weekdays when university activities are in full swing.

A stone located behind the altar maintains a temperature consistently cooler than the surrounding stones, a phenomenon associated with a 1429 visit by Joan of Arc herself. This subtle physical oddity is a detail many visitors overlook while touring the space.

Location: Milwaukee

Inception: 1420

Architects: Jacques Couëlle, John Russell Pope, Lucien David

Architectural style: Gothic architecture

Opening Hours: Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:00; Sunday 12:00-16:00

GPS coordinates: 43.03763,-87.93101

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:53