Church of Saint Mary the Virgin

Church of Saint Mary the Virgin is a striking building with high ceilings, pointed arches, and stained glass windows in the Gothic Revival style. The thick stone walls and crafted details inside make it a notable religious structure on West 46th Street.

Architect Napoleon LeBrun completed this house of worship in 1894, incorporating innovative steel framework into the Gothic design. This technical innovation was groundbreaking at the time and shaped how religious buildings were constructed for decades to come.

The church serves as a gathering place for the local community in the heart of Manhattan, hosting regular worship services and musical performances. Visitors come here to pray, listen to music, or find a moment of calm in the busy city.

The church welcomes visitors through the main entrance on West 46th Street and keeps access open during business hours. The interior is easy to navigate, and security is monitored to ensure a peaceful visit.

The building was the first house of worship in the world constructed with an internal steel framework, fundamentally changing how religious structures were built. This hidden innovation beneath the Gothic exterior shows how tradition and engineering came together.

Location: Manhattan

Architects: Napoleon LeBrun

Architectural style: Gothic Revival

Address: 145 West 46th Street

Website: https://stmvirgin.org

GPS coordinates: 40.75833,-73.98361

Latest update: December 8, 2025 19:43