Wayfarers Chapel

Wayfarers Chapel, also called the Glass Church, is a small place of worship in Rancho Palos Verdes, overlooking the Pacific near Los Angeles. Lloyd Wright designed its glass-and-wood structure among redwood trees, so the wooded setting and ocean views are part of the visit. Walk the garden paths, look for hummingbirds and butterflies, and step inside when the chapel is open to the public. Entry is free, and parking is available. Weddings and other events can limit access to the chapel, so check before making the drive.

A chapel shaped by its setting

Wayfarers Chapel stands in Rancho Palos Verdes, above the Pacific Ocean. Architect Lloyd Wright, son of Frank Lloyd Wright, designed the building to connect worshippers with the surrounding natural world. The trees, gardens and coastal outlook are part of the experience, not just a backdrop.

The chapel is associated with the Swedenborgian Church and was conceived as a place where people could pause, reflect and appreciate nature. People of different faiths can visit. The building is also used for wedding ceremonies, so access to the interior can change when a ceremony or event is taking place.

Glass, wood and redwoods

The chapel is known as the Glass Church for its extensive glass walls. Natural light and views of the trees become part of the interior, while the structure sits among redwoods and other greenery. Lloyd Wright’s design uses geometric forms and brings the building close to its landscape.

The chapel is small, so a visit need not take long. Take time to walk the paths around it and look at the building from different angles. The grounds have trees, flowers and grassy areas; hummingbirds and butterflies may be seen among them. A fountain inside has also been noted by visitors, though entry to the chapel is not guaranteed during events.