St. Cecilia's Cathedral, Omaha

St. Cecilia’s Cathedral is the mother church of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Omaha and an important early-20th-century religious building. Plans began in 1901, construction started in 1905, and services began in 1916. Work continued for decades as funding became available, and the cathedral was consecrated in 1959 after completion of the domed cupolas on its twin towers. The building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979.

Architect Thomas Rogers Kimball designed the cathedral in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style, an unusual choice for a large American Catholic church of the period. The limestone exterior features twin towers, domed cupolas, arched openings, and Spanish-inspired ornament. Inside, the broad nave contains stained glass, mosaics, carved woodwork, religious sculpture, decorative furnishings, and sacred art accumulated throughout the cathedral’s history. The Martin Pasi Opus 14 pipe organ, installed in 2003, supports worship services, choral programs, and organ concerts. The cathedral remains an active center of Catholic worship, hosting Masses, diocesan celebrations, sacred-music programs, and other religious events. Its wider campus also supports cultural and educational activities connected with cathedral history, art, and music.

Visitors can examine the architecture and sacred artwork while learning about Kimball’s design and the long process required to complete the building. Its monumental scale, Spanish Renaissance details, stained glass, sculpture, and musical traditions provide insight into more than a century of Catholic religious and artistic life.