Colorado Springs Vintage Homes Blog

33 unique things to do in Colorado Springs — #4 Air Force Academy Chapel

Air Force Academy

• After fierce competition Colorado Springs finally lands the Air Force Academy
• An early history of Ft. Carson
• History of Ft. Carson part II

Located on the grounds of The United States Air Force Academy, sits Colorado’s top man-made tourist attraction.  It’s the cadet chapel and along with the Academy itself was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2004.

It has 17 silvery spires, which are three dimensional, elongated triangles that sweep upward from the building.  Stained glass bathes the interior in natural light.  Some people complained in the 1960’s when it was completed that it “looked like upended fighter wings and that worshiping there was like going to church in a B-52″.  The architect, Walter Netch, wanted the effect to convey the appearance of the great cathedrals of Europe, although done in the modern elements of aluminum and steel.  The total effect creates a new modernism in a government building which attempts to meet the needs of all faiths.

The chapel has five different areas:  one for Protestants, as you enter, take a look at the 99 ft pinnacled ceiling and then check out the glowing stained-glass mosaics that outline the building.  In the back of the Protestant area check out the pipe organ which has 4334 pipes…very impressive!  Walk into the Catholic Chapel and you’ll see a stunning, abstract portrayal of the firmament done in colored glass.  In the Jewish Chapel you’ll discover some wonderful paintings of Shlomo Katz.  The newest Chapel situated in the basement serves the Buddhist.  You’ll find the temple has matte green walls, recessed lighting and a beautiful and intricate altar.  The floor and walls are hand-planed finish of Port Orford Cedar (the tree is actually a cypress belonging to the same family as the Japanese Hinoki, which is used in many Japanese temples).  The last area is for other religions to hold their services.

Worship services are also open to the general public as well as the cadets.  The tours are self-guided and as it is located on the Air Force Academy grounds make sure you have an up-to-date-insurance card and be prepared for the possibility of your vehicle being searched.  Its best to go during the summer when its far less crowded and your tour will be more pleasant.  The chapel is open Mon-Sat from 9am-5pm for tours.

For more information, check out www.usafa.af.mil or call (719) 333-2025

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Kathy (719-287-1049)   KTorline@msn.com

Tags: Air Force Academy, Air Force Academy tourist items, Attractions in Colorado Springs, Cadet Chapel, Colorado Springs tourist, What to do when visiting Colorado

This entry was posted on Friday, March 6th, 2009 at 1:23 am and is filed under Attractions & Activities, Military. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

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