Heniz Memorial Chapel – University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Heinz Memorial Chapel began as a gift: Henry John Heinz, the founder of the H.J. Heinz Company, had it built in honour of his mother. Ground was broken for the chapel in 1933, the cornerstone was laid in 1934, and the building was dedicated in 1938.

Charles Zeller Klauder of Philadelphia designed the building in a neo-Gothic style. The chapel’s modified cruciform plan, stone vaults, high ceilings, repeated arches, and extensive use of glass are typical of American academic and religious architecture from about 1900 until after World War II.

Various religious services are held in the chapel, but it does not belong to any denomination. From its beginnings, the chapel was intended to be interdenominational. The chapel is open daily throughout the year except for University holidays, and hosts approximately 1,000 events annually. More than 100,000 people participate in religious services, weddings, concerts, classes, memorial services, and guided tours. Many simply seek its peace and beauty as a refuge.