About St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York
St. Patrick's Cathedral rises in white marble on Fifth Avenue opposite Rockefeller Center. Designed by James Renwick Jr. in Gothic Revival style, it was built by a largely Irish immigrant Catholic community that wanted a church worthy of its growing presence in the city. Its twin spires once dominated the skyline. The cathedral was dedicated in 1879 and serves as the seat of the Archbishop of New York, one of the most important Catholic posts in the country.
Inside are soaring vaults, the Lady Chapel, a Pieta and shrines to American saints such as Elizabeth Ann Seton. The cathedral welcomes millions of visitors yearly, yet daily Masses continue amid the city noise. Its St. Patrick's Day parade and Christmas Midnight Mass are New York institutions. A major restoration completed in 2015 cleaned the marble and revived the stained glass, so the interior now glows with color. Step inside from the busy avenue for a sudden calm.
What to see
- Great Rose Window
- Lady Chapel
- Pieta sculpture
- Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton
- Crypt of the archbishops
Visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York: practical guide
- Best time
- Year round; December for festive services
- Hours
- Open daily, roughly 6:30 to 20:45
- Entry
- Free; paid guided tours available
- Dress code
- Respectful clothing; remove hats
- Nearest airport
- LaGuardia Airport (LGA), 13 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Avoid walking around during Mass
- Try the audio or guided tour
- Combine with Rockefeller Center
Festivals and special days
- Saint Patrick's Day (17 March)
- Christmas Midnight Mass
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York?
St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York is in New York City, New York, United States, North America. GPS coordinates: 40.7585, -73.9760. The nearest airport is LaGuardia Airport (LGA), 13 km.
What is the best time to visit St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York?
Year round; December for festive services
Is there an entry fee for St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York?
Free; paid guided tours available Opening hours: Open daily, roughly 6:30 to 20:45
What should I wear when visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York?
Respectful clothing; remove hats
Which religion is St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York sacred to?
St. Patrick's Cathedral, New York is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship.
