Madonna Della Strada Chapel

Madonna Della Strada is the main chapel of Ignatius Loyola University in Chicago.

The Art Deco building stands on the shore of Lake Michigan. The curves of the facade lines and its geometric ornament make this building unlike any other in the city. The architect Andrew Ribory developed in 1939 a kind of embodiment of the Art Deco style, which combines streamlined forms with classical details and ornament, both inside and outside. A tribute to the classical style of the chapel were the names of Jesuit saints on the outer walls and on the walls of the crypt, from where once there was an underground tunnel into the residence of the Jesuits.

In 2006-2007, significant restoration work was carried out on the building, which significantly changed its interior. So, the organ had new pipes, which improved its sound, and the floor was laid with colored marble, forming a complex ornamental composition. Right at the entrance to the temple put a magnificent white marble font, and the support beams of the chapel found a new plaster stucco. The lighting system was completely replaced, making the space seem even more voluminous.

Masses are regularly held in the University Chapel, as well as wedding ceremonies and private events. The chapel is very popular with newlyweds because of its convenient location on the shore of the lake and because of the surprisingly bright and truly festive interior decoration.