The National Shrine was originally built in 1955 to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Mother Cabrini. It included a chapel in the Columbus Hospital courtyard and a crypt housing Mother Cabrini’s relics.
In 1998, the hospital was demolished. SGW oversaw the chapel’s protection and preservation for a decade while a high-rise development was built around it.
A new narthex, support facilities, and museum were custom designed by our team. Mother Cabrini’s bedroom was also carefully recreated and flanked by new SGW-designed historical exhibits to celebrate her life and works.
The new narthex, with a custom terrazzo medallion.
Frescoes, statuary, baldacchino and organ were restored and brightened by new lighting. Rich wall colors were reintroduced, complemented by custom-designed gold leaf borders.
