Heinz Memorial Chapel, Pittsburgh (must see)

The Heinz Memorial Chapel is located on the University of Pittsburgh campus near the Cathedral of Learning. The chapel was built by Henry John Heinz, founder of the H.J. Heinz Company, in the memory of his mother Anna Margaretta Heinz. Construction began on the chapel in 1934 and was completed in 1938.

The building was designed in a Neo-Gothic style similar to that of the Cathedral of Learning and the Stephen Foster Memorial. The entirety of the building, both interior and exterior, is made from Indiana Limestone, acoustical tile, Numidian marble, crab orchard stone and Vermont green slate. The cathedral contains multiple arches, stone vaults and an external tympanum.

A number of figures and carvings are viewable from outside the Heinz Memorial Chapel. Carvings of Jesus, Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Abraham, Jacob, Aaron, King David and the Tree of Life are prevalent over the portal of the chapel.

The insignia of Europe's twelve oldest universities and all universities founded in the United States prior to 1820 are also carved on the chapel's facade.

The chapel has 23 stained glass windows that were designed by Charles Connick. These windows represent acts from both Old and New Testaments. Less commonly seen in chapels, there are also secular figures represented in the stained glass. Some of the figures that are represented in the 73 foot tall transept windows include Beethoven, Bach, Clara Barton, Da Vinci, Confucius, Ben Franklin, George Washington, Shakespeare, Pocahontas, Edgar Allan Poe and Johnny Appleseed.

The pipe organ has been renovated several times over the years. The original instrument had 3,770 individual pipes. The current organ has 4,272 pipes and three electronic pedal stops. It also has three manual keyboards.

Why You Should Visit:
- To enjoy the beauty of the Neo-Gothic architectural style
- To witness the intricate details in the stained-glass windows

Tips:
The non-sectarian chapel does not hold regular church services. The interior remains closed to outside visitors other than on special occasions.