I have no idea where I parked, but the "discovery walk" revealing the chapel was actually a fun part of my experience. As it started peaking through the trees on a misty day, the whole scene felt surreal and very goth-romance. Inside, the stained glass is gorgeous, and there's plenty of literature along the way to dive into the history of this iconic site. If you're visiting Duke campus, definitely check it out. read more

Duke University Chapel - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

Immaculate, gorgeous, and inspirational. Once I walked in through the large doors out front, an immediate reverence came over me. I was sweating from the heat and humidity, but thoroughly enjoyed walking all over the campus beforehand. The stained glass windows, the sheer size, the ornate level of detail with the woodwork, the craftsmanship that went into this, is unreal. Simply gorgeous and amazing, and so happy I came by to check this out. Inside and out, just phenomenal! read more

See all

This is a must see if you're on the Duke campus. It was built in the 1930s but looks much older than that in a good way. Take the free guided tour if you get a chance. It's led by a volunteer who gives you lots of history and context about the chapel than you'd miss on your own. Be sure and check this out if you're on campus. read more

All I can say is wow, what a lovely surprise! I've been in chapels and cathedrals in nearly every continent across the world and the Duke University Chapel ranks right up there near the top. Make sure you spend some time exploring each of the areas inside and outside. It's gorgeous and full of history. Great photo opportunities. read more

See all

Breathtaking!! I felt like I stepped back in time today while visiting Europe years ago and frequenting many churches. I had no idea something this majestic existed in Durham, much less on Dukes campus. This place is gorgeous. We were so fortunate today as they were having a Christmas concert and the bells were ringing. We were treated to a piano recital and a symphony during a special open house. This was truly special today. read more

See all

We have been coming to the Christmas Eve Service for years now with the exception of the time is was closed for renovations and we always enjoyed arriving long before 9pm to listen to the choir practice before the Service. The organizer must've had a reason to keep us waiting in the 42 degree weather for so long, we arrived at about 8:46 and had to leave at 9:33 the line was not moving at all and the wind made it even colder to the point that I developed a terrible headache, my face and ears felt like frozen. Not sure how the 30 or so people ahead of us and another 25 behind were going to endure more time in the cold. It makes a big difference when it is 42 and you get from the car to inside the church, your body temperature does not drop like when you wait and wait and don't know whether they will open just short of 11pm or it will only be another minute. This would have been our last attendance but as it turns out our last was a year ago. I guess they open late so the choir can practice without the little noise made by people arriving. Those who say it never disappoints have not gone through the waiting in the cold. Very disappointed and I hope the Presiding Minister does something next year so other people don't go through this. Minus 5 stars for the wait in the cold. For everything else it is always a 5 star, no doubt in my mind, lovely Service, angelical choir and fantastic overall experience to celebrate the birth of the Lord read more

My mom and I were strolling around Duke Gardens when we noticed the signs for the chapel. It was only about 1/3 of a mile from a side entrance to the garden and was well worth the walk. I believe the parking near the chapel might be a bit tricky, especially when the college is in session. I'm not an especially religious person, but I really appreciated the architectural elements inside and outside of this building. What a gorgeous spot and so majestic. The campus itself is very beautiful and has an "Ivy League" feel to it. I marveled at the huge organ in the back of the church on my way out. The stain glass windows are vibrant and stunning as well. If you are on the Duke campus, this is a must see and won't take up much of your time. read more

See all

We stopped in quickly on a hot day to cool off and enjoy the gothic architecture. It's a beautiful space and the organs are quite lovely. Since no services were happening on this random Friday, we were able to wander around the space as wished. Definitely a lovely spot to visit if you're in the area. read more

See all

I recommend visiting Duke Homestead before visiting Duke Chapel. It's only about a ten minute drive away, and $2 for the tour. You can see the beginnings of the tobacco and pipe fortune that Washington Duke started, and which his son, James Buchanan "Buck" Duke catapulted enough by selling cigarettes to enable him to donate the equivalent of $30-40 million dollars in today's currency to build the massive Duke Chapel and University. It's quite astonishing to see the difference 60-70 years can make in one's fortune, and the monument that resulted which looks hundreds of years old, bus is only about a century old as it was built between the 1920s and early 1930s. Actually, Duke Homestead was middle class to upper middle class for its time. The tour guide told us Washington Duke came from a middle class family, and had two wives, the second of his was wealthy named Artelia from the Roney family (you'll see a fountain called the "Roney" fountain from the sister or Washington Duke's late wife Artelia--in Duke gardens, and was originally put on Duke campus, but was moved). The main house of Duke Homestead was dedicated to Washington Duke's second wife Artelia, and is more upper middle class for the 1850s-60s, and became even more so as Washington Duke started to have success venturing from tobacco farming to pipe tobacco after the civil war. You can see that in the pricy, massive cast iron stove which was twenty years ahead of its time and which has the word "success" emblazoned on its front. But anyway, you can see what was considered upper middle class for the 1850-60, and what was astoundingly wealthy in one generation. See where the son, Buck Duke lived, and where his family's wealth ended up. It should be said that Buck Duke's mother Artelia was a Methodist, and Duke Chapel is a Methodist church. The tour guide said that Methodist Christianity became very popular perhaps around the time Artelia married his father. I am not sure what religion Buck Duke followed, but his mother died when he was two years old, caring for Buck's eldest brother shortly before the beginning of the Civil War. Duke Chapel adjoins the Duke Gardens, so it is possible to go through a latch key iron gate to pass from one to the next. The gardens is called the Sarah P. Duke gardens, who is the wife of Buck Duke's brother Benjamin, who was largely into charity. About the chapel itself, there is a tour on some days, which I believe is free and open to the public. I did not attend the tour, but I did go to the Evensong choir concert on Palm Sunday. That was also free, but had a sectioned off area for some of the pews. Not sure of the reason. I think perhaps it was the regular Catholic congregation, but I might be mistaken. The concert was about an hour long and had three songs, which tells you how lengthy the numbers were. There was an informational pamphlet distributed which had lyrics and translations for the songs, information about who made the songs and their general song structure. Very collegiate writing, with the feel of technical musical appreciation. There was information about why the hymns were selected, which I discovered I needed as it turns out the hymns were selected exactly because they were "overlooked." They were each fairly modern, from the 1960s-2000s even if one was based on a 1600s poem. I am not that familiar with Catholic hymns, but the description said the songs were modern, and they sounded modern as there was somewhat discordant organ playing and a dark abstraction to the pieces. But with points of ethereal as well as massive choral beauty. Perhaps not popular hymns for a reason, but fitting for the college campus, I suppose. The conductor had silver hair and at times was vigorous and made the better moments of the hymns more passionate. I had information from one of the attendants on another day that there is both Protestant and Catholic service at Duke Cathedral, and for the most part unless noted anyone can attend. It's just that for the Catholic service specifically (and perhaps not the Protestant) it would be better not to take the Communion, which is the symbolic bread and wine for the body and blood of Jesus Christ. I am not sure if there's a difference in this if you are Christian vs non Christian. Maybe? There was also some art prints when I visited Duke Chapel, on the walls. read more

Duke University Chapel - Duke Chapel interior. Evensong choir concert - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

Loved touring this beautiful chapel! It was a short drive from downtown Durham where I was seeing a concert. The grounds are lovely to walk around, including the surrounding buildings and amazing gardens. Be sure to enjoy those places too if you're at the chapel. The place itself had beautiful lighting, allowing you to enjoy the architecture. It really reminded me of my time in England with the structure of the church interiors. The stained glass is beautiful to enjoy. I did not feel that my jeans and tshirt were a problem as one may feel they need to be dressed up to be in this church, the ambiance is inviting and wonderful. read more

See all

Beautiful old chapel with ornate architecture. Soaring ceiling and stained glass all around. The wonderful pipe organ sounds amazing. The outside of the chapel has that past Gothic look to it, and the steeple rises into the sky. This place is huge and if you're sitting in the back it seems far away from the altar area. We recently attended a graduation ceremony held inside the chapel, but did not have time to explore it more as the place was packed and it was a snowy rainy day. Would love to come back and attend a service, or just walk the grounds and take it all in. Yes, from what we experienced parking can be a bit of a hassle, but we parked in the large enclosed parking garage and had no problems. Yes, there is a fee but it's not too costly. read more

See all

Absolutely gorgeous. We went on a Thursday at 1 to hear the organist play. The deacon gave us the history and that was an added treat. If you enjoy the beauty of a church- this one is a must! read more

See all

Been a stop on my bucket list since my childhood Didn't expect to be working down the road Definitely recommended for all tourists read more

See all

We were lucky enough to come here this afternoon for my sons baccalaureate service. We waited in line for 45 minutes before being allowed to enter this gorgeous chapel. Stained glass windows are reminiscent of Chagall and the inside is huge and beautiful! Looking forward to the organ prelude by Johann Sebastian Bach!! Congratulations to all the Duke graduates!! read more

See all

Absolutely iconic center of Duke University. In my one week residency on campus, I must have came here at least 5 times. It is such a monument of rich history and architecture! Book store, dorms, lecture halls, and sports fields are all just a skip from here. read more

Duke University Chapel - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

In any other country, this building would be called a cathedral. It almost seems sacrilegious to call it a chapel. But I digress... Even though I grew up in a neighboring county before moving to the other side of the state for 20 years (and am now temporarily back), I'd never visited the Chapel at Duke University. I was recently reminded of it and attended the Sunday service this past weekend. WOW. What an incredibly beautiful church and service. I really enjoyed myself and plan to go back this Sunday, and probably many Sundays after that. Living in north Raleigh, it's a bit of a drive but I guess it says something that I don't care. The Chapel's website says it's interdenominational, but the service is decidedly Anglican (which suits me fine - just what I was looking for). Be prepared for the goosebumps and spine chills that only a pipe organ in a cathedral of that magnitude can induce. I've visited numerous very old cathedrals in Europe (Koln, St Elizabeth, St Sebastian, St Bartholoma...). While the Chapel at Duke U wasn't built in the 1500s or even the 1200s, it is no less impressive or breathtaking. Even if you're not church shopping as I have been, I highly recommend taking one Sunday just to visit the church and stick around for a tour afterward. Tip: Follow the driving directions on the Chapel's website, NOT Google Maps! read more

See all

A century ago, it was common for universities in the United States to have some affiliation with a religious denomination and to have a church on campus for students and faculty. The architect for this English Gothic style chapel was Julian Abele, a prominent African-American architect in Philadelphia. The chapel was dedicated in 1935. The tower is 210 feet tall. The interior of the chapel is 291 feet by 63 feet. There are 77 stained glass windows. The stone came from a quarry twelve miles west of Durham. The chapel had a major restoration in 2016. Today, it is awesome! Admission, of course, is free. Brochures are available for a suggested $1 donation. Religious affiliation was Methodist. Thus, you can find sculptures of John Wesley, Thomas Coke, and Francis Asbury. Other sculptures are of Martin Luther, Thomas Jefferson, and others. A statue of Robert E. Lee was removed in August, 2017 (this was the only statue of a military person in the chapel). The chapel tower has a 50 bell carillon, which can be heard weekdays at 5 pm and Sunday mornings after services. The Duke University Chapel is worth seeing if you are in Durham. Also, the Duke Gardens are just a 5 minute walk away. Take a little time to go there too, weather permitting. read more

Duke University Chapel - Duke chapel, tower 210 feet - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

I would be hard pressed to find anything at Duke University that isn't 5 stars, but the University Chapel is a defining plateau and staple of the University. Its classic architectural style and steeple that hovers almost into the clouds without a doubt is gorgeous both inside and out. There are major cities that don't have a building that beautiful to call their own. This stands proud in the center of the courtyard surrounded by administration buildings an a grassy mall. With the stone walkways on both sides, you almost feel like you are walking through 18th century Paris or Rome. This is a spectacle to see. Whether you are religious or not and happen to be in the Durham, NC area, make a stop on campus and experience this chapel. read more

See all

Proud symbol of Duke University, and a great place to visit. Though it is undergoing quite a bit construction right now, the chapel is a gorgeous sight both inside and outside. The gothic architecture and stained glass windows are lovely to behold. Up to 2014 they always hdld freshman convocation here where Maya Angelou is the guest speaker, though I have been fortunate enough to perform in the chapel with the Duke Chorale and can attest to the fantastic acoustics of the building. In addition, if you are a Duke student who knows an adult who would chaperone, you can climb the 400+ steps to the top of the chapel for a stunning 360 degree view of campus. Also if you email beforehand you can visit the carrel ringer (he's in charge of ringing the bells every weekday at 5 pm) and watch him perform, which is something on my Duke bucket list. read more

Duke University Chapel - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

One of the more pictureque churches on the coast. An incredible spot to stop in and just take the place in. Concerts are amazing with an organ that's seriously amazing! Going when the sun is out makes for some incredible pictures inside and out. Worth seeing more than once if you've got the chance! read more

Duke University Chapel - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

This is a beautiful chapel and the inside has phenomenal architecture and stained glass. It is really peaceful and worth a visit to if you are on Duke's campus. They have a lot of events here as well like music and arts so check that out too. I definitely enjoyed my visit here and would come back again. read more

See all

This is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols at Duke University and it is definitely a wonderfully built old style church...The architects that designed this church many years ago did a amazing job and of course I am always fans of a Church that has great steeples and a amazing Pipe organ....If you haven't visited this Church that also holds the remains of some Duke historical figures, I would strongly recommend that you check out this major historical and present day iconic location.... read more

Overall, this is a beautiful Gothic style chapel. I was very happy when a lot of the construction was finally done so that you could actually enjoy the chapel. The architecture is very decorative, keeping with the style you can find all over Duke campus, and I love the many stained glass windows. The chapel is pretty much right in the center of campus and I have used it many times as my center point in figuring out how to get around campus. The church serves for many denominations, but I can only speak for the Catholic ones, of which there are a few masses in the mornings and evenings on the weekends. I nice place to come though even if you are not particularly religious. The climb up the tower is also a lot of fun. It is only for Duke employees and students and you need a Duke fund code in order to reserve a time slot. I think they only have time slots during the school session and of course, you do need to sign a waiver. The climb is a bit of a haul. The stairs are steep and narrow with few landings to catch your breath. So bring some good walking shoes and be prepared to be winded. There are not that many windows, nor much lighting so have a phone light on hand. The view for the top of the chapel though is breathtaking and worth the climb at least once. You get a great view of the campus and beyond. read more

We went here late in the afternoon on a Sunday. This is very beautiful and I only wish we had attended a service here. The pipe organ is gorgeous along with the stained glass windows and the various seating areas and alters. The woodwork is phenomenal. Upon entering, there is a person at a desk ready to answer any questions you may have. We sat and prayed for a bit and enjoyed the beauty and solitude of this beautiful chapel. The surrounding grounds and buildings add to its beauty! read more

See all

Wow! Phenomenal architecture. You can't park close to chapel so plan ahead and park at gardens and walk over.

I have had the honor and pleasure of experiencing a beautiful ceremony here for my little brother's wedding. It is the perfect place for my brother and his wife being both Duke alums. The chapel itself is gorgeous from the stained glass windows, to the art on the walls from local artists. The grand organ they have is just mesmerizing. We also got to listen to one of the sermons, on Sunday before we left. It was on a story about "Doubting Thomas." Lesson was on not to know more than you need to know. It was interesting how he related to our daily life and it was great how the preacher had a sense of humor and made some jokes here and there to keep the listeners engaged. The choir was amazing. It was pretty neat how they came out on to the floor and surrounded us to give us that full musical experience that just came at us in all different directions. Definitely recommended to check out, if you aren't religious, then just for the beauty of it. read more

A breathtaking space. Gentleman at the information desk was very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the chapel. read more

Duke University Chapel - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

See all

The exterior of the chapel is stunning and draws you in from across campus. The inside is equally magnificent. Gorgeous stained glass windows running the length, and a rather magnificent pipe organ. Variety of denominational and non-denominational services throughout the week to cater to a diverse campus crowd. Definitely worth a stop, and check out a service for a memorable experience. read more

Beautiful place on a beautiful campus. Nice little walk around Duke garden, campus and then the chapel. The arts are different from old grand European chapels. read more

This place is a must see if you're in the area. It is breathtaking and beautiful both inside and out. They even have a scavenger hint for the kids - see photo :) read more

Duke University Chapel - Scavenger hunt to occupy kiddos - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

What a beautiful place! This chapel is on the famous Duke campus. The architecture is absolutely stunning! We walked all around this one but could not go in as it was for Sunday mass. read more

Duke University Chapel - Brilliant - Churches Near Me - Durham, North Carolina

The chapel is beautiful. If you are coming here to listen to the Messiah run far and run fast. There is no place to park, the people are rude and no one to ask for directions or help. It is the least professional operation I have seen. The parking attendants only take your money and don't tell you the parking garage is full so there is a huge traffic jam in perpetuity. I will NEVER come back. It would seem you could take a bit of the 60K tuition and figure out what to do but that is obviously not in the plan. Just like the school they want your money and after that who cares. read more

The chapel is beautiful. The pipe organ and windows add magic to such an amazing place. This is a real gem for Durham. I like to visit for prayer service. -Tatum Isenberger read more

Beautiful church. Love the stained-glass windows. A very nice place to take out-of-town guests.

This chapel is absolutely stunning. We went here for a quick walk around before a Duke game earlier this season. It's crazy to think that a chapel this stunning with the collection of glass and artwork isn't in Northern France or Central Italy, but right in the middle of North Carolina. The organs here are also gigantic and blend in with the architecture inside well. The only thing that I'll mention about this chapel that others haven't already beautifully described, is that parking can be a bit of a hassle if you're just visiting real fast. There's not really parking right in front of it, so you may have to walk from the nearest parking lot you can find, which shouldn't be bad, because Duke randomly has an incredibly walkable campus. read more

My favorite building in NC. If you have time in December you should attend a Christmas program. The choir sounds like angels singing.

Amazing bit of religious history and grand church architecture. I was most fascinated about how the sound system worked...the acoustics would be difficult to control, at best. read more