The cathedral contains over 10,000 individual pieces of stained glass created by the Zettler Studios of Munich.
The limestone used for the exterior was sourced from quarries in Bedford, Indiana.
The organ console is located in the rear gallery, connected to the pipe divisions through a complex electrical system.
The cathedral's foundation was originally intended for a structure in the style of Italian Romanesque before plans were shifted to French Gothic.
The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark is the fifth-largest cathedral in North America and a preeminent example of French Gothic Revival architecture. Construction spanned from 1899 to 1954, resulting in a limestone exterior and intricate stained glass. The interior features a massive Schantz pipe organ with over 9,500 pipes, one of the largest in the world. The structure is noted for its twin 232-foot spires and a cavernous nave that seats approximately 1,200 people. Pope John Paul II elevated the church to the rank of minor basilica during his 1995 visit. It serves as the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Newark.
From the center of the main nave looking toward the rose window above the organ pipes.
Bring a pair of binoculars to appreciate the intricate carvings on the vaulted ceiling and high clerestory windows.
Check the official website for organ concert schedules to experience the instrument's full acoustic range.
Visit during the spring when the surrounding Branch Brook Park's cherry blossom trees are in full bloom.
Do not attempt to walk through restricted sacristy areas or private clergy zones.
The cathedral may be closed to visitors during private religious ceremonies, weddings, or funerals.
Dress modestly as befits a house of worship; maintain a quiet demeanor and avoid photographing during active religious services.
