High above the Pacific Ocean, the Wayfarers Chapel, affectionately known as the “glass church,” has been forced to close its doors indefinitely due to the relentless threat of “accelerated land movement” in the area. Perched beneath a canopy of towering redwoods on the Palos Verdes peninsula, the Mid-Century Modern marvel, designed by architect Lloyd Wright, has been damaged by cracks and broken panes of glass in recent months. The chapel’s board of directors, in consultation with city inspectors, has made the difficult decision to shut the chapel and its surrounding property to ensure the safety of visitors and to facilitate repairs.
Los Angeles firefighters rushed to hospital after huge truck explosionRead moreThe Wayfarers Chapel, designated as a national historic landmark just two months ago, has been an iconic wedding venue and tourist attraction for decades. Completed in 1951, it was conceptualized as a place where people could connect with God and nature, blurring the lines between architectural structure and natural terrain. It has played host to numerous high-profile nuptials, including those of film stars Jayne Mansfield and Mickey Hargitay in 1958.
However, the chapel’s stunning setting has also made it vulnerable to the effects of heavy rainfall and intense storms, which have been plaguing the region in recent weeks. City inspectors discovered damage and signs of land movement at the chapel, although no immediate closures were ordered. Still, the chapel’s board of directors deemed it necessary to shut down operations to ensure the safety of visitors and to allow for necessary repairs to be made.
The Wayfarers ChapelThe closure is particularly unfortunate, given the chapel’s recent designation as a national historic landmark. The Wayfarers Chapel is the most well-known work of Wright, the eldest son of renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright. It has been a beloved fixture of the community, and its closure is a significant blow to all who have been touched by its beauty and tranquility.
As the city stands ready to support the chapel in any way possible to safely reopen this sacred space to the community, it is clear that the Wayfarers Chapel’s glass walls will need to be reinforced to withstand the relentless forces of nature.