Website | 13280 Chapman Ave, Garden Grove, CA 92840 | 714-971-2141
Christ Cathedral, formerly and informally known as the Crystal Cathedral, is a North American church building of the Diocese of Orange located 10 minutes from Anaheim in Garden Grove, California. This site has grown since it opened its doors to the public and has welcomed visitors worldwide. The Diocese of Orange Christ Cathedral offers walking -and virtual- tours of the whole ‘attractions’ of the site.
Arboretum
The Arboretum was designed in 1962 by Richard Neutra, a mid-century modern architect. The original 22,288 square foot structure served as the sanctuary for the Rev Robert Schuller’s congregation. In 2012, the Arboretum underwent extensive renovation, and its new features included an innovative underground air conditioning system, glass replacement, seismic strengthening, new landscaping, and other enhancements. Completed in just six months, the Arboretum has won numerous awards.
Christ cathedral
The cathedral has been the main center of catholic worship for more than a thousand years. Considered the core of liturgical life and “mother church,” the Christ cathedral symbolizes the unity of all catholic believers and their church. The christ cathedral has undergone several renovations; as for the cathedral’s distinctive “all glass” facade, it has remained essentially unchanged.
Crean tower
This tower was completed in 1990 and was named for Donna and John Crean, whose contributions helped fund this tower’s construction. The creation of this tower made the Christ Cathedral an official Orange County landmark. The Crean tower is a 236-foot stainless steel mirrored spire designed by Phillip Johnson, and it houses the great 52-bell carillon.
Cultural center
The 53,056 square-foot cultural center is the capstone of the great Christ Cathedral campus. Formerly known as the “welcome center,” this building was completed in 2002 and was designed by architect Richard Meier. The Cultural Center is home to the Freed Performing Arts Theater and the “Muchaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition.” You can also find the Christ Cathedral Shop here.
Pastoral center
The 132,000-square-foot former Family Life Center was designed by Gin Wong and Associates, opened its doors in 1990, and served for many years as the Christ Cathedral Academy. Today, the building’s third and fourth floors are home to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange Pastoral Center offices of Bishop Orange, The Most Revered Kevin Vann, and the ministries of the Diocese. The building’s basement, first and second floors are home to the well-known Cathedral Academy.
Tower of hope
The Tower of Hope first opened in 1968 and was designed by Richard and Don -his son-. The Tower of Hope was named after New Hope Ministries and is home to the first 24-hour suicide prevention hotline. A massive 90-foot neon-lit cross tops this building, and it is considered one of the tallest buildings in Orange County. A 130-seat ecumenical Chapel in the Sky on the building’s top floor offers panoramic and unique views of Orange County.
