The Chapel of the Holy Cross began as the dream of local rancher and sculptor Marguerite Brunswig Staude, inspired by the newly built Empire State Building in 1932. Her first attempt, in Budapest with Lloyd Wright (Frank Lloyd Wright's son), was halted by World War II.
She chose Sedona's red rocks instead. Richard Hein of Anshen & Allen designed the chapel and August K. Strotz carried it out. Because the site was in Coconino National Forest, a special permit was needed, which Senator Barry Goldwater helped secure. The chapel was completed in 1956.
Visiting
- Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.
- Parking is limited to 45 spaces, with a drop-off roundabout.
- The gift shop, run by St. John Vianney Catholic Church, is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Services are held Monday evenings at 5 p.m. Groups can arrange services in advance.
Several million people visit each year, some on pilgrimage and many simply to see its striking architecture.
