St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church, Omaha, NE
St. Wenceslaus is actually one of the older parishes in the city of Omaha. Dating from 1877, it originally served as the National parish for the city's Czech immigrants. In 1980, parishioners voted to relocate to the present site due to dwindling membership. The current church dates from the mid-1980s and was designed by BVH Architects. 
A sculpture of the parish patron adorns the courtyard.
Though the church seats 1,000, it is very intimate. The creative use of more natural materials shines forth in the interior - the wood, brick, and tile combine to create an honest, warm atmosphere. 
While the space is intimate, it also has a great sense of verticality. An oculus pierces the peak of the roof structure; it is the sole, but ample source of natural light in the main body of the church. 
A large tapestry of Jesus which hangs behind the altar is a main focal point of the main church. Unfortunately I'm unaware of the artist or date of the comission. 
Many of the architectural elements, both interior and exterior seem to reflect a contemporary interpretation of Prairie School Architecture.
St. Wenceslaus is actually one of the older parishes in the city of Omaha. Dating from 1877, it originally served as the National parish for the city's Czech immigrants. In 1980, parishioners voted to relocate to the present site due to dwindling membership. The current church dates from the mid-1980s and was designed by BVH Architects. 
A sculpture of the parish patron adorns the courtyard.
Though the church seats 1,000, it is very intimate. The creative use of more natural materials shines forth in the interior - the wood, brick, and tile combine to create an honest, warm atmosphere. 
While the space is intimate, it also has a great sense of verticality. An oculus pierces the peak of the roof structure; it is the sole, but ample source of natural light in the main body of the church. 
A large tapestry of Jesus which hangs behind the altar is a main focal point of the main church. Unfortunately I'm unaware of the artist or date of the comission. 
Many of the architectural elements, both interior and exterior seem to reflect a contemporary interpretation of Prairie School Architecture.
1 comment:
This is a very nice Catholic Sanctuary, although it doesn't strike me as very catholic. It seems a little contemporary, St. John Seward -esque. Sort of like a castle-church.
Post a Comment