TOUR: Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

Friday, November 14 
1:00 - 2:00 PM
400 Michigan Avenue NE, Washington DC 20017
Registration Required

Join us for a one-hour docent-led tour of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Our tour includes the Trinity Dome Mosaic, the Great Upper Church with its numerous mosaics and stained-glass windows, and the Crypt Church which contains more chapels and a museum. Other highlights include over 80 chapels and oratories, the Rosary Walk and Garden, and the Papal Exhibit in Memorial Hall, which features religious artifacts like papal stoles and tiaras. 

The Basilica of the National Shrine sits on the campus of the Catholic University of America, in Washington, DC. The dome, which reaches a height of 237 feet and boasts spectacular shades of blue and gold, can be seen far and wide. Construction began on the shrine in 1920 and continued through 1959. Built to resemble great European churches, but in a distinctive neo-Byzantine style, the structure is supported by columns and masonry but no steel beams. 

The National Shrine, also known as Mary’s Shrine, receives nearly one million visitors annually and has been visited by Pope Francis, Pope Benedict XVI, Saint Pope John Paul II, and Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta, among others.

Meeting Place:
Please plan to arrive by 12:45 and meet Elena Vejarano, OLLI’s Trip Coordinator, at the East Information Desk on the Lower Level of the Shrine near the Gift Shop.

Getting There

Public Transportation
The Basilica is located less than 0.5 mi from the Brookland-Catholic University stop on Washington Metro’s Red Line. Visitors can exit to John McCormack Rd NE & Michigan Ave NE and walk 5-10 minutes via Michigan Ave NE to the Basilica.

Parking
There are two designated parking areas at the Basilica, where parking is free and available during hours of operation. Information regarding parking options can be found here.