St. Mary of the Angels in Chicago, Catholic church building in Bucktown, Chicago, United States
St. Mary of the Angels is a Catholic church building in Bucktown, Chicago, United States, with Renaissance Revival architecture and a large brick facade. The structure is marked by twin bell towers, a wide dome, and an interior covered with colorful murals and ornamental painting.
The parish began in 1899 with a modest brick church, then construction on the current building started in 1911 and was finished in 1920 after delays caused by war. The design is based on St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, making it one of the strongest examples of Roman Renaissance architecture in the country.
Inside the church, the painted walls and sculptures give a direct view of Polish religious traditions that immigrants carried to Chicago. The side altars and decorative details show how art was used to teach stories and to create a feeling of belonging for families far from home.
Wear comfortable shoes because you will be looking up often, and give yourself time to walk around the whole perimeter before entering. The interior is open to visitors daily, and the space is accessible for those who move slowly or use a wheelchair.
The paperback adventures of a fictional Chicago wizard bring many readers to this address, since the building appears in The Dresden Files series. Fans often recognize the twin towers and dome before they even step through the door.
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