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The architecture of the cathedral is predominantly English Gothic, created using authentic methods preserved since the Middle Ages, including a cross-shaped floorplan, flying buttresses, and multispired towers.

The west entrance is centered within a high Gothic arch containing a lovely rose window. Above the bronze double doors is “Ex Nihilo ,” a relief sculpture by Frederick Hart portraying the creation of humankind from chaos.

The imposing high altar at the east end of the nave is made from stone dug from Solomon’s quarry outside Jerusalem; the altar is also called the Jerusalem Altar.

This stained-glass window is notable for commemorating mankind’s 20th-century moon landing. A piece of moon rock, brought back by Apollo 11, is embedded in the window.

The horizontal impression given by the nave is also typical of English Gothic style. Flags of the states are displayed around the outer walls.

“The Church Triumphant” is the theme of this elegant stained-glass window. The design of Rowan LeCompte incorporates 12 brilliantly colored vignettes and numerous other figures.

This endearing room is child-scaled with a miniature organ and altar and chairs to fit six-year-olds. Jesus is also shown as a boy in the sculpture here.

Derived from decorated spouts on European buildings, these carved ornaments have been given free rein at the cathedral. The 112 carvings include Darth Vader of Star Wars ® fame and a predatory-looking owl.

This magnificent Aeolian-Skinner instrument has 10,650 pipes. On Wednesdays at 12:45pm, an organist gives a presentation and then demonstrates with a stirring recital.

A medieval walled garden is the model for the cathedral’s beautiful Bishop’s Garden on the south side of the church. The herb gardens are a delight to the nose as well as the eye: all the stones here originated in a quarry that George Washington once owned.