× Recorded Live Sunday, March 19, 2023 | 4:00 pm EST

You will receive a follow up email with a link to view the concert. The performance will remain online to watch for thirty (30) days following the live performance.

“Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky.” Poetry and music together paint vivid landscapes, evoking unearthly vignettes from the minds of Edgar Allan Poe and Alfred, Lord Tennyson. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, one of America’s greatest orchestras, joins Cathedral Choral Society at Washington National Cathedral for this stunning marriage of music and words.

× Grief and praise are both expressions of love. Yet our contemporary culture does not readily offer us rituals to acknowledge our grief or to share it publicly. If we can learn to express ourselves and ritualize our grief, it can become medicine for our community. Join Wick Poetry Center director David Hassler through guided discussion and prompts, as we explore the creative process of transforming grief into gift through the imaginative and figurative language of poetry.

Virtual Program

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Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

The Combination Tower Climb combines the Classic Tower Climb and Angels & Monsters climbs and lasts about two and a half hours. Explore the two western towers and includes a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-air walkway wrapping around these two towers (about 125 feet above the ground). Climb the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral’s central tower, to find the best view of Washington, DC. This climb includes multiple views inside the Cathedral itself, up-close views of stained glass, and access to some of the Cathedral’s oldest stairs.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Climb the Cathedral’s two western towers and discover a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-air walkway wrapping around these two towers (about 125 feet above the ground). The climb ends on the very top of the northwest tower, which provides the best views of the Cathedral itself, and 360-degree views of the surrounding area (over 200 feet above the ground).The tour lasts 75 – 90 minutes and costs $60/person.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× In Paradisum: Duruflé’s Requiem and Poulenc’s Motets
Sunday, April 2, 2023 | 4:00 pm

Join us on Palm Sunday as we journey toward Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection with two of Paris’s greatest 20th-century composers, Francis Poulenc and Maurice Duruflé. Immerse yourself in the passion and inspiration of Poulenc’s penitential motets and the orchestral technicolor of his Tenebrae responsories; revel in Duruflé’s explorations of Gregorian chant and his famous, breathtaking Requiem.

Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence - Francis Poulenc Sept répons des ténèbres - Francis Poulenc

Interval

Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens - Maurice Duruflé Requiem - Maurice Duruflé

With: Laura Choi Stuart, soprano Michael McCarthy, conductor Washington National Cathedral Choir Washington National Cathedral Orchestra

×

Join us on Palm Sunday as we journey toward Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection with two of Paris’s greatest 20th-century composers, Francis Poulenc and Maurice Duruflé. Immerse yourself in the passion and inspiration of Poulenc’s penitential motets and the orchestral technicolor of his Tenebrae responsories; revel in Duruflé’s explorations of Gregorian chant and his famous, breathtaking Requiem.

Quatre motets pour un temps de pénitence - Francis Poulenc Sept répons des ténèbres - Francis Poulenc

Interval

Quatre Motets sur des thèmes grégoriens - Maurice Duruflé Requiem - Maurice Duruflé

With: Laura Choi Stuart, soprano Michael McCarthy, conductor Washington National Cathedral Choir Washington National Cathedral Orchestra

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Hallelujah! Christ is risen! We will gather around Christ’s table, and join together in music and prayer, to proclaim Jesus’ victory over death and the Good News of the Resurrection. The 8:00 am and 11:15 am services are identical. Incense will be used at both services. Passes are emailed.

×

Hallelujah! Christ is risen! We will gather around Christ’s table, and join together in music and prayer, to proclaim Jesus’ victory over death and the Good News of the Resurrection. The 8:00 am and 11:15 am services are identical. Incense will be used at both services. Passes are emailed.

× Cathedral organist Thomas Sheehan celebrates the joy of Easter with a selection of uplifting music to celebrate the Resurrection on the Cathedral’s Great Organ.

On April 9, 2023, registrants will be sent a link to view the concert.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

×

Discover the artistry of the Cathedral’s stained glass windows on this close up tour. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to marvel at stained glass windows up close and experience magnificent views. Be prepared for significant stair climbing, close quarters, and heights. This tour is not ADA accessible. The tour travels to areas of the Cathedral not accessible via elevator and contains many steps. Must be 11 years old.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× Climb to the dizzying heights of Washington National Cathedral with various tower climb options!

The ultimate destination of this climb is the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral’s central tower. From here, visitors will find the best possible view of Washington, DC. The climb includes multiple views inside the Cathedral itself, up-close views of stained glass, and access to some of the Cathedral’s oldest stairs.

The Classic Tower Climb lasts 75-90 minutes and costs $50 per person. Please review the following information before purchasing tickets:

Prepare for rigorous activity.
Those with a fear of heights or enclosed spaces should not participate; stairs include both enclosed stone staircases and also open metal, spiral stairs.
Minimum height requirement: 48 inches (4 feet)
Not appropriate for young children; Infants cannot be carried on the tour.
Dress appropriately for the weather, as the weather conditions are more extreme than at ground level.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× Discover the contemplative power of close looking at works of art and reflective writing in an on-line workshop facilitated by playwright and teaching artist Mary Hall Surface. Inspired by 16th century Venetian painter Jacopo Bassano’s The Miraculous Draught of Fishes and more, we will ponder the extraordinary in the ordinary and consider how we are called in our lives and in community. Designed for everyone, not just “writers,” this workshop invites you to look outwardly at paintings and poetry to look inwardly through writing for personal growth and spiritual direction..

Virtual Program

×

Discover the Cathedral’s hidden stories on the behind-the-scenes tour as you marvel at the building’s artistry and engineering. Journey through stone stairwells and passageways to see stained glass windows up close and magnificent views from the heights. Be prepared for stair climbing, close quarters, and heights.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× What are the basic elements shared by any Gothic building? Why is Gothic so well suited to religious structures? Through the Cathedral’s soaring walls and exquisite carvings, visitors explore the Gothic style and its unique characteristics, purposes, and building methods.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

×

The Combination Tower Climb combines the Classic Tower Climb and Angels & Monsters climbs and lasts about two and a half hours. Explore the two western towers and includes a close-up look at many gargoyles and grotesques while visiting the open-air walkway wrapping around these two towers (about 125 feet above the ground). Climb the ringing chamber, 333 steps high in the Cathedral’s central tower, to find the best view of Washington, DC. This climb includes multiple views inside the Cathedral itself, up-close views of stained glass, and access to some of the Cathedral’s oldest stairs.

× The Cathedral is open from 10 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 11 am to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Cathedral is open from 1 pm to 5 pm (Cathedral closes promptly at 5 pm).

Explore the Cathedral at your own pace with a complimentary self-guided brochure. You may arrive any time during our open hours.

× The Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean of Washington National Cathedral, is pleased to invite you to the 68th Annual North American Deans Conference. This year’s theme will be “The Sacred & the Civic.” During our time we’ll hear and learn from speakers and leaders about faith and democracy, spend time worshipping and visiting in the Cathedral and the soon-to-be fully opened Virginia Mae Center (the reimagined and remodeled College of Preachers), and explore beautiful Washington, D.C. Cathedral Canon Historian Jon Meacham will join us for a keynote as part of the Conference.

More information about programming and schedules will be forthcoming.

Cancellation Policy: Washington National Cathedral will refund all registrations for the 2023 North American Deans Conference made before April 15, subject to a $75 cancellation fee. No refunds will be given for cancellations made after April 15, 2023.

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Bridging the Renaissance and the Baroque is Monteverdi’s rarely performed 1610 Vespro della Beata Vergine. Join us for a masterpiece at once intimate and grand, prayerful and dramatic, exalted and resplendent. The splendor and beauty of the Cathedral offers a dramatic backdrop for an afternoon of a dizzying array of musical texture and sacred sound.

With: Michael McCarthy, conductor Washington National Cathedral Choristers Cathedra

× Monteverdi's Vespers
Sunday, April 30, 2023 | 4:00 pm

Bridging the Renaissance and the Baroque is Monteverdi’s rarely performed 1610 Vespro della Beata Vergine. Join us for a masterpiece at once intimate and grand, prayerful and dramatic, exalted and resplendent—the dramatic unfolding of its dizzying array of textures and sonorities offers an evening not to be missed.