Building Description
St. Joseph Chapel, a Romanesque Revival design, is recognized as an architectural and historical landmark in Milwaukee. Mother Alfons Schmid, one of the foundresses of the School Sisters of St. Francis, commissioned architects Peter Brust and Richard Philipp to design a chapel to adjoin the St. Joseph Convent motherhouse, erected in 1891. The Chapel took a little over three years to complete and was consecrated on March 19, 1917. On March 16, 2025, the Chapel was re-opened after an extensive restoration. The cruciform chapel is 200 feet long and 90 feet wide at its widest point. The dome rises 70 feet above the sanctuary. The chapel has 115 stained glass windows, 9 mosaics, and numerous statues and relics. It can seat up to 500 people; all are welcome to come for Sunday and weekday Masses, Eucharistic adoration, private prayer, tours, music concerts, and other events appropriate for a sacred space.
Visitor Experience
Chapel visitors will learn details about the history and artistry of this sacred space, with sister docents available to answer questions and point out highlights. The chapel’s new lighting helps spotlight beautifully restored mosaic tiles, stained glass, paintings, and marble.
Address
1501 S Layton Blvd
Saturday Hours
10 am - 4 pm
Sunday Hours
Not Open
Photography
Photography allowed, Videography allowed, Tripod allowed
Accessiblity
Fully wheelchair accessible
