When seen from the outside, the US Air Force Academy Chapel appears like a fleet of fighter jets reaching toward the heavens. Known as the Cadet Chapel, this is one of the most visited man-made sights in Colorado and was even named a US National Historic Landmark in 2004.
It is certainly an interesting sight to behold from the outside, but the chapel’s true magic isn’t revealed until you step inside.
Inside the US Air Force Academy Chapel
From simply seeing its interesting but monochrome exterior, it is hard to imagine the world of color that swirls inside! The moment you open the heavy chapel doors you are greeted by rich hues of blue and purple, fascinating geometrical shapes, and stained glass on all sides.
Despite its modern architectural style, it is clear that this chapel has taken much inspiration from old European cathedrals—with its lofty ceiling, stained glass windows, and the stunning organ sitting at the back of the chapel. Somehow, it manages to combine a modern style with the familiar feeling of awe you find when entering an old cathedral!
Design of the Air Force Academy Chapel
The USAFA Chapel architecture is iconic now, although it was originally controversial. Walter Netsch of Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) conceived the design and fought to make it a reality despite opposition.
The chapel is made from aluminium, glass, and steel and has 17 spires that bring to mind echoes of Gothic architecture as well as calling to mind a fleet of jets stacked side-by-side. At 150 feet tall, 280 feet long, and 84 feet wide, this chapel is surprisingly impressive from both the outside and inside.
The inside—and specifically the use of stained glass—was perhaps inspired by the chapel of Sainte-Chapelle and other famous European chapels (as Netsch was sent on a European tour in preparation for designing this chapel).
In the end, Netsch designed it to have two levels with the main, ground-floor level containing the impressive Protestant Chapel (which seats 1,200 people and is what most visitors come to see) as well as Catholic, Jewish, and other chapels underneath for other faiths.
My favorite design element of the Protestant Chapel is the way the stained glass lines on the ceiling appear larger when you stand underneath them…so no matter where you are standing in the chapel you see the stained glass above you as being larger and lighter than the stained glass on the rest of the ceiling. It looks like a giant game of Cat’s Cradle!
Air Force Academy Chapel Service Times and Visitor Information
If you love visiting chapels around the world, are fascinated by modern architecture, or just happen to want to see this building for yourself, you can find more information on how to visit on the USAFA website.
It is also special that visitors are allowed to attend services on site, so if you are interested in this you can check out the service times on the website as well. The style of the architecture makes this well worth a stop when you are near Colorado Springs, whether you decide to attend a service or not!
Nearby Attractions
Of course, there’s also lots more to see in this beautiful area of Colorado!
If you’re in this area, be sure to check out sights nearby such as the Garden of the Gods or look at my itinerary for places to visit near Denver (especially if you’re visiting during the fall!) Garden of the Gods is practically right around the corner from the USAFA Cadet Chapel, so if you are already in the area you will certainly want to see it and explore the trails there!
Save for Later
I was told when I was at the academy today that the chapel was being torn down and rebuilt or possibly remodeled. How long before visitors can see inside