Princeton University Chapel

Princeton University Chapel is a limestone structure with pointed arches, carved stone details, and large stained glass windows that depict scenes from the Bible. The interior contains a spacious nave and chancel designed to hold hundreds of people for ceremonies and services.

The original building was destroyed by fire in 1920, leading architect Ralph Adams Cram to design a new Collegiate Gothic structure. The current chapel was completed in 1928 and has remained a landmark on campus since then.

The chapel serves as a venue for weddings, commencement ceremonies, and interfaith services that bring together students, faculty, and alumni. Visitors observe how these occasions make the space feel like the spiritual and social heart of campus life.

Visitors can explore the chapel but should respect ongoing services and events taking place inside. It helps to check ahead if you want to visit during a specific time or attend a particular ceremony.

The stone carvings blend academic symbols such as books and scrolls with religious imagery, creating a visual balance between scholarship and spirituality. This combination appears throughout the decorative details, honoring both the intellectual and devotional purposes of the space.

Location: New Jersey

Inception: 1928

Architects: Ralph Adams Cram

Architectural style: Collegiate Gothic

Made from material: limestone

Website: http://princeton.edu/religiouslife/chapel

GPS coordinates: 40.34888,-74.65689

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:42