AN EXPERIENCE THAT
Transcends Belief
ST. VINCENT DE PAUL
CATHOLIC CHURCH – CHICAGO
Tickets Are Now Available!
About the Experience
What is Celestia?
Celestia is a seated, multisensory arts experience that transforms St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church into a living canvas through a visually stunning and emotionally rich narrative of light, projection, and music.
Using cutting-edge technology, Celestia highlights the architectural grandeur of the cathedral with a spectacular visual narrative and an evocative orchestral music score, inviting visitors of all backgrounds to a dazzling celebration of creativity and community that leaves you inspired, energized, and connected!
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church Invites You
To Discover Celestia
Step inside a breathtaking story told through light and music.
🎶 Original Music Score
Experience a powerful, orchestral soundtrack designed to move with the space and elevate every moment.
✨ Live Choir Performances
Select evenings feature a live choir woven into the immersive experience, blending powerful voices with the orchestral score for a richer, more moving event.
⛪ Iconic Architecture, Reimagined
See the cathedral in a new light as its details, textures, and structure become part of the narrative.
💫 Extend the Experience
Explore more deeply on site with a companion web app, featuring the history of the cathedral, deeper insights on the narrative of the experience, and shareable Celestia moments.
Where Light Becomes Story
In Five Unique Acts
Step beyond projections and enter a world where architecture breathes, music moves, and light carries you through ten immersive scenes across five distinctive acts – a story of creation, awakening and belonging.
Awakening
A spectacular opening that instantly pulls you into the experience.
Becoming
A mesmerizing build of light and music that keeps unfolding around you.
Transformation
A dramatic turning point filled with power, emotion, and surprise.
Belonging
A beautiful and uplifting moment that makes the experience feel deeply shared.
Radiance
A stunning grand finale of color and light that leaves you uplifted.
Sneak Peek
Experience Celestia
Real Reviews by Real People
What Guests & Media Are Saying
Moments of Wonder
Photo Gallery
Our History
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
A cornerstone of Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood since 1875, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is deeply woven into the city’s history. Its early parish buildings also gave rise to St. Vincent’s College, which would later become DePaul University.
Dedicated in 1897, the present church was designed by acclaimed architect James J. Egan in the Romanesque Revival style with Gothic influences. Built of Indiana limestone, its soaring twin towers, breathtaking stained glass crafted in Munich, and beautifully preserved interior have inspired generations of visitors.
Today, this remarkable landmark provides an unforgettable setting where architecture, history, and light come together. . . transforming a treasured Chicago icon into the immersive world of Celestia.
Practical Information
Plan Your Visit
LOCATION
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
1010 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Note: At the corner of Webster and Sheffield Avenues.
TICKETS
Booking online is the only way to purchase tickets and guarantee entry.
Check all prices and availability on the ticketing page.
GROUPS
Group tickets will be available for purchase exclusively through our website for parties of eight or more.
SCHEDULE
This seated experience begins at the listed time, with slight variations based on sunset. Doors open 15–20 minutes before showtime; please do not arrive or line up before doors open.
Know Before You Go
Additional helpful information to prepare for your visit to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church.
VIEW MORE VISITOR INFORMATION ›
Helping You Have a Better Experience
LOCATION & ARRIVAL
– Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled time
– Doors open 15–20 minutes before showtime; please do not line up or arrive before doors open
– Actual show start time may vary slightly based on local sunset and natural-light conditions
PARKING & TRANSPORTATION
– Paid parking is available nearby at DePaul University’s Sheffield Parking Garage, 2331 N. Sheffield Ave.
– Additional paid parking is available at Clifton Parking Deck, 2330 N. Clifton Ave.
– Limited street parking may be available; please note that many surrounding streets have residential permit restrictions
– Ride-share services are recommended, particularly for evening performances
PUBLIC TRANSIT
– CTA “L”: Fullerton station, served by the Red, Brown, and Purple lines, is approximately a five-minute walk from the church
– CTA #74 Fullerton bus connects at Fullerton and Sheffield
– CTA #8 Halsted bus stops at Halsted and Webster, a short walk from the church
– Check CTA service alerts and trip planning before travel
TICKETS & ENTRY
– Entry via mobile or printed QR code
– Advance online booking is strongly recommended
– Limited tickets may be available onsite, subject to capacity; onsite purchase is not guaranteed
– Due to multiple daily performances, brief waiting periods may occur before entry
VENUE ETIQUETTE
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church is an active place of worship; please respect the space
– Please remain seated during the presentation
– Personal photography and video are permitted; no flash photography or camera lights
– Please be considerate of other guests when taking photos or video
– Silence mobile devices upon entry
– Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the church
ACCESSIBILITY
– Wheelchair-accessible entry and seating will be available.
– Wheelchairs and mobility scooters are not available for rent on-site.
– Contact Celestia customer service in advance for specific accommodation questions.
SEATING & LATE ARRIVALS
– Celestia is a seated experience
– General admission applies unless reserved seating is selected
– Reserved tickets include access to a designated premium seating area
– Late arrivals will be seated at an appropriate break in the presentation; entry cannot be guaranteed once the performance has begun
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
– Limited restrooms available onsite (including accessible facilities)
– Start times may vary slightly based on natural light conditions
Most Helpful Answers to
Frequently Asked Questions
Find everything you need to plan your visit — from hours and ticket info to location details and more.
Where is Celestia taking place?
Celestia: The Experience is presented at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, 1010 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, at the corner of Webster and Sheffield Avenues.
When should I arrive?
Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start time shown on your ticket. Doors open 15–20 minutes before showtime; please do not line up or arrive before doors open.
The actual show start may vary slightly based on local sunset and natural-light conditions. Entry cannot be guaranteed for late arrivals.
If I need to leave the building, will I be allowed back in?
No, we do not allow re-entry.
Are there any prohibited items?
We do not allow outside food or drinks, professional camera equipment or selfie sticks within the show.
Do you have wheelchairs or scooters for rent?
We do not have wheelchairs or scooters for rent, but the church does provide disabled access.
May I take photos or videos?
YES, photography and videotaping are permitted within the show, however please NO FLASHLIGHT photography or video.
Can I bring food and drinks?
No, we do not allow outside food or drink.
Is there seating available?
Yes, this is a seated event and there is seating for everyone who attends. Children under 2 may sit on a lap.
Are there flashing lights or loud sounds?
Yes, the experience contains bright lights that may cause discomfort for people with photosensitive epilepsy or other medical conditions. If this may affect your experience, please consult with a medical professional prior to attending the show.
The music might be slightly louder than normal and may cause discomfort to people suffering from sensitivity to loud sounds. If this is your case, we recommend you are accommodated with a proper noise reduction device and consult with a medical professional prior to attending the show.
Can the shows trigger vertigo or motion sickness?
Yes, the moving images, sounds and lights involved in the immersive experience may cause dizziness, motion sickness or vertigo. If this may affect your experience, please consult with a medical professional prior to attending the show.
Are there group rates?
Yes, our group tickets are available for purchase exclusively through our website for parties of eight or more.
Can I return or change the date of my tickets? Will I get a refund?
Change of date or time requests are subject to availability and must be made at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled entry time shown on your ticket. An $8 rescheduling fee will apply. All tickets are non-refundable.
Can I gift tickets that are under my name?
Yes, you can. Please ensure your guests have a physical copy of the tickets printed to be admitted. Additionally, we require valid ID to be presented alongside the tickets prior to entry to ensure eligibility for the ticket type.
How can I contact customer service?
Customer service can be reached via email at info@celestiaexperience.com or through our website’s live chat in the bottom right corner of your browser.
Inside Celestia
Stories, Reactions & Behind the Scenes
Take a Deeper Look
Explore Celestia
Each ticket includes access to our on-site companion app. Upon arrival, you will scan a QR code to access the web-based app and deepen your experience.
- Discover the visual narrative and learn the story of Celestia.
- Explore rich historical content and an interactive map that brings the cathedral’s story, architecture, and sacred spaces to life.
- Unlock exclusive wallpapers, digital keepsakes and hidden content.
