Now on Exhibit

The Museum of Virginia Catholic History proudly introduces two new exhibits at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. Located near the main entrance of the church, the “Baptistery Gallery” features a permanent exhibit titled Built on a Cornerstone of Faith: The Cathedral of the Sacred Heart. This display traces the history of the Cathedral’s construction, beginning with the procurement of its cornerstone in 1883 to the building’s consecration in 1906.

Highlights in this exhibit include restored pieces of the Cathedral’s original baptismal font, as well as various liturgical artifacts belonging to the Cathedral. Stored in the crypt for over thirty years, the baptismal font has been carefully cleaned and returned to the room where it originally stood, the baptistery.  (At right: picture of font, c.1906)

A temporary exhibit illustrating the history of the Diocese of Richmond has been installed in the Cathedral’s newly refurbished Crypt & Undercroft, located beneath the sanctuary of the church. Visitors to the crypt may also view the marble burial markers of those laid to rest in the space, including three former bishops of the Diocese and several family members of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas F. Ryan, the Cathedral's donors.                                           

Tours of the Baptistery Gallery and Crypt & Undercroft exhibits are presently offered by appointment only. For walk-in visitors, there are informational displays located in the Cathedral’s vestibule and aisle cases that illustrate the Cathedral’s early history, highlighting its 1906 Consecration Day.

                                           Pictured above: Procession for Cathedral's consecration, November 29,1906

Scheduling an Appointment: To schedule a guided tour of the Cathedral's Baptistery Gallery and Crypt & Undercroft exhibits, please contact Colleen Yoder, the Museum Curator, at        (804) 359-5661 or by email: cyoder@richmonddiocese.org, or call the Cathedral's Tour Coordinator at (804) 359-5651.

Visiting the Cathedral: If you wish to tour the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart without an appointment, the church is open to walk-in visitors Monday-Friday from 9:00am-3:00pm, Saturdays 3:30pm-6:00pm, Sundays 9:00am-6:00pm unless there is a special event or services are in progress.  Prior to your visit, please call 804-359-5651 or check the parish’s online calendar: http://www.richmondcathedral.org/calendar/calendar.htm