Last updated: September 9, 2022
Place
St. Cecilia’s Cathedral
David Calease, NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
701 North 40th Street
Significance:
Architecture
Designation:
National Register of Historic Places; Omaha Local Landmark
OPEN TO PUBLIC:
No
MANAGED BY:
Private Property Owner
St. Cecilia’s Cathedral sits on the crest of one of Omaha’s rolling hills and is situated within the historic Gold Coast neighborhood. Construction began on St. Cecilia’s Cathedral in 1905 and the cornerstone was laid two years later. Construction had sufficiently progressed by 1916 to hold services in the cathedral, but consecration did not occur until 1959 when the building project was completed with the completion of the domed cupolas atop the soaring twin towers.
Constructed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style, the building was a dramatic departure from the common architectural styles selected for Roman Catholic churches in the early twentieth century. It ranks a one of the largest cathedrals in the United States, and the size speaks to the aspirations and pride of Roman Catholics in Omaha and the Middle West. St. Cecilia’s Cathedral was designed by noted Omaha-based architect Thomas Rogers Kimball, who served as chief architect for various other Omaha landmarks. Apparently, Kimball selected the distinctive Spanish Renaissance Revival style for historical reasons. According to reports during the 1541 Spanish expedition of Conquistador Coronado, Catholic priest Father Juan de Padilla was one of the first clergyman to visit the region that would later become Nebraska. Kimball claimed that the cathedral would be the “one of the first built in the United States strictly following the Old Country conventions.”
The church was constructed using a steel frame under solid masonry walls that are faced with Bedford limestone. The roof is red Spanish tile and identical domed cupolas terminate the twin towers which rise to a height of 187 feet. The high vertical surface of the main façade imparts a perception of strength and stability. Exceptional ornamentation, works of art, and architectural design are to be found throughout this marvelous building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated an Omaha Local Landmark. Extensive interior renovation was completed in 2002.
Constructed in the Spanish Renaissance Revival style, the building was a dramatic departure from the common architectural styles selected for Roman Catholic churches in the early twentieth century. It ranks a one of the largest cathedrals in the United States, and the size speaks to the aspirations and pride of Roman Catholics in Omaha and the Middle West. St. Cecilia’s Cathedral was designed by noted Omaha-based architect Thomas Rogers Kimball, who served as chief architect for various other Omaha landmarks. Apparently, Kimball selected the distinctive Spanish Renaissance Revival style for historical reasons. According to reports during the 1541 Spanish expedition of Conquistador Coronado, Catholic priest Father Juan de Padilla was one of the first clergyman to visit the region that would later become Nebraska. Kimball claimed that the cathedral would be the “one of the first built in the United States strictly following the Old Country conventions.”
The church was constructed using a steel frame under solid masonry walls that are faced with Bedford limestone. The roof is red Spanish tile and identical domed cupolas terminate the twin towers which rise to a height of 187 feet. The high vertical surface of the main façade imparts a perception of strength and stability. Exceptional ornamentation, works of art, and architectural design are to be found throughout this marvelous building, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and has been designated an Omaha Local Landmark. Extensive interior renovation was completed in 2002.