Is there great architecture in Nebraska? Some might argue for the State Capitol - or there is
a FLW house in McCook - or what about Carhenge? All excellent choices, but for this blog, I'm going to focus on a small church that sits atop the bluffs between Omaha and Lincoln - the Church of the Holy Family Shrine in Gretna.This simplistic form made from Red Cedar, limestone, steel, and glass overlooks the heartland providing fantastic views of the wheat fields which were the inspiration for the intertwined structural features. A small flow of water runs from the altar, down the sides of the aisle, outside through the courtyard, and finally into a small pool which sits inside the visitor center.
The Church of the Holy Family Shrine was completed in 2001. It has been argued that the design is very similar to the Cooper Chapel in Arkansas. Regardless, it is a truly inspirational space which integrates so well with the nature surrouding the site, seemingly erected from the Nebraska plains.
2 comments:
I think I have seen this church from I-80. Is that possible? I think I saw it all lit up at night. It was beautiful, if that is what I saw. Now that I see the photos of what it looks like up close, I just may have to make it a rest stop on my way through NE next time.
Bingo, just take the Gretna exit. It is definitely worth taking the short detour.
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