Modernism

New York City Landmark Saint Peter’s Church (built 1977, designated 2016) is the work of architects Hugh Stubbins and W. Easley Hamner and designers Lella and Massimo Vignelli. Regarded by many as one of the finest examples of late modernism, the interior will become eligible for designation on the National Register of Historic Places in 2027.

Water, mud, mold, and a fine silt damaged everything from the prominent glass fenestration with its integrated doorways to concealed infrastructure for HVAC, lighting, sound, internet, and more. A team of preservationists has led the restoration in accordance—already before designation—with guidelines of the United States Department of the Interior. Though appreciated by most people unconsciously given the visual harmony created by the relationship of form and function, thoughtful and intentional solutions preserve even the smallest of modernist details essential to this architectural gem.

The interior offers ground-breaking flexibility for an array of activities such as liturgies, lectures, concerts, and special events. It features a brand new digital sound system to support everything from jazz and latin music to speech and cutting-edge soundscapes.

The exterior granite cladding has been re-caulked and the unique skylight system has been repaired. These exterior projects, not a result of the water main break but necessary due to failure of their useful life cycle, have the support of the National Fund for Sacred Places, the New York City Landmarks Conservancy, and other leading preservationists.

The upcoming Semicentennial of Saint Peter's celebrates the life of the last fifty years. Just as much, it looks in joy to the next fifty years to come.

YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS

Your gift in support of the For the Future campaign makes it possible for this landmarked building to continue to serve the diverse community of Saint Peter’s, and continue to educate and serve admirers of architecture, design, and history for years to come.

Budget | Giving Table | Pledge

Please email smoga@saintpeters.org with any budget and giving inquiries.

PROGRAMMING

CURRENT

Marco Anelli
Saint Peter’s: Views from Church and Basilica

This photography exhibition features images of two iconic spaces named Saint Peter’s. Each is captured by Marco Anelli at the time of their respective restorations. Learn more here.

UPCOMING

Vignelli Legacy: A Celebration
Monday, March 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Join in celebrating the Vignellis at Saint Peter’s Church, the building long-described by the design duo as their “most important project.” Learn more here.

Architecture of Light: From St. Peter’s Basilica to Three Modernist Spaces
Tuesday, March 21, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

Explore how the designers of three modern spaces— Saint Peter’s Church, Magazzino Italian, and Rothko Chapel integrate light as a central architectural element. Learn more here.