Among the many contributions the Catholic Church has made to society over the past 2,000 years, the patronage of art, architecture, and music is undeniably one of its greatest. How can the Church reclaim a role as patroness of the arts and caretaker of beauty?
Historically, churches were great patrons of the arts because people saw beauty, reverence, and craft as a sacred duty. As a result, art and architecture were imbued with a transcendent and extraordinary character and artists were challenged to the heights of their skill. How can the Church promote a new Renaissance of art, architecture, and music today?
Among the many discussions occurring today are those that consider how artists may offer their skills to the Church and yet flourish as reputable artists, architects, and musicians in their own right. What are some ways that contemporary architects and artists are working together with the Church to produce more beautiful cities and buildings? How do the faithful participate in the sacred duty to promote beauty in daily life and in the Church?
Please join the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art-Philadelphia and the Cathedral Parish for an illustrated lecture and discussion with Duncan Stroik, a well-known practitioner of sacred architecture and professor of classical architecture at the University of Notre Dame. Then join us after the lecture for a lovely reception at the Top of the Tower overlooking the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Cathedral Basilica!
Stroik’s emphasis on beauty and continuity of tradition has brought him many accolades in the building of new churches in the United States. Duncan Stroik’s built work includes Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel (Santa Paula, CA), the Shrine Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe (LaCrosse, WI), and the Cathedral of Saint Joseph (Sioux Falls, SD). He is also author of The Church Building as a Sacred Place: Beauty, Transcendence, and the Eternal, and edits the journal Sacred Architecture.
Join us after the lecture in the spectacular Top of the Tower, with its views west of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Advance registration for the reception is required; no ticket sales at the door. A pass will be required to enter. The Reception is SOLD OUT. Delicious savories and drinks, good conversation, and spectacular views.
Reception is NOT included with any promotional discount ticket sales, such as Funsavers.
Travel Instructions to Post-Lecture Reception: After the lecture, turn left from the Basilica main doors, cross the Ben Franklin Parkway and walk 2 blocks along 18th Street. The Top of the Tower is at “Three Logan Square.”
Parking: Pay parking garages are within 2 blocks. Visit www.parkingpanda.com for the closest garages to the Cathedral & Top of the Tower. Click on “find parking” and type: “Cathedral Basilica…” or “Top of the Tower.” A map will appear. Enlarge the map to see your ‘red’ location symbol; look for parking between Logan Square and the Comcast Center (both are easily visible; the Cathedral & reception are between these two points).
Via Regional Rail: Arrive at Suburban Station. Exit the platform and look for the “Arch Street” exit (on the North side, but hard to spot). Follow the corridor to street level. For the Cathedral, cross Arch Street and turn left along the Ben Franklin Parkway. The Cathedral is just ahead on your right. For the reception, turn left, walk along Arch Street one block to the last building on your right.