The wind sweeps across the bluffs as you stand before a structure of western red cedar beams and glass walls, perched high above the steady flow of Interstate 80. Here, the architecture is designed to pull your eyes outward toward the Nebraska landscape rather than inward toward the walls.
Refuge for the Road and Spirit
The Holy Family Shrine serves as a deliberate sanctuary for travelers on both the road and of the spirit. Inspired by the work of architect E. Fay Jones, the site was envisioned in 1993 to provide a place of reflection for those passing through the Nebraska plains. The design, crafted by Jim Dennel, prioritizes transparency; its glass walls were chosen specifically to ensure that your view of the surrounding environment remains unobstructed while you seek a moment of quiet.
A Journey Through Wood and Glass
Step into the chapel to see how the natural elements of wood and light define the space. Look toward the southern window, where an etching of the Holy Family marks the site's namesake. Beyond the immediate interior, you can walk a path featuring life-size depictions of the stations of the cross. The experience is rounded out by a visitor center designed to resemble a prairie dugout, which houses a gift shop and meeting spaces. If you look toward the front of the shrine, a 40-foot cross towers over the interstate below.
Experience the Architecture of Symbolism
To make the most of your visit, take time to notice the intentional symbolism in the site's layout. The entrance to the visitor center is crafted to evoke the tomb of Jesus, complete with a sculpture hanging from a skylight meant to represent his shroud. The best way to experience the scale of the site is to view it against the backdrop of the bluffs overlooking the highway.
Plan your visit to see how the cedar beams and glass interact with the Nebraska sky, providing a striking contrast to the movement of the interstate below.