Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest

The Basics

The Upper East Side is a luxurious neighborhood, and the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest fits right in with the grand buildings nearby. Architecture fans won’t want to miss the Gothic-inspired church, known for its Art Deco design and the altar's carved reredos. Art enthusiasts should go to see the church's stained-glass windows, designed in the Arts & Crafts style.

Visit the church independently, or take advantage of a flexible hop-on hop-off bus tour—most include stops on Fifth Avenue. For a well-rounded day uptown, plan to visit the Church of the Heavenly Rest along with a nearby museum, then take a stroll in Central Park.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Check the calendar before you arrive. The church hosts everything from Sunday worship services and Bible study to Easter egg hunts.

• The church has an accessible entrance on Fifth Avenue, and wheelchair-accessible pews in the worship space.

• Anglican worship services are offered several times weekly.

How to Get There

Most visitors take the subway to the Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest. Ride the 4, 5, or 6 train to the 86th Street station. Alternatively, take the bus. Hop on the M1, M2, or M3 bus that runs along Fifth Avenue, and get out at 90th Street. The church is just ahead, on the corner.

When to Get There

The church is open every day. There are services every morning, and Holy Eucharist on Sundays. Check the church’s website for hours.

Exploring Museum Mile

The Church of the Heavenly Rest is just a stone's throw from Museum Mile, the arts epicenter of New York City. Walk outside the church, and wander uptown. You’ll find the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum; the Metropolitan Museum of Art; and New York's must-see modern arts mecca, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum. If you plan to visit the always-popular Guggenheim, save time by prebooking skip-the-line tickets.

Ways to explore

Head inside to take a peek at the unique arts and crafts-style stained-glass windows, attend one of the Sunday morning services, or hear the church’s 137-rank Austin Organ in action during one of the regular candlelight concerts. You might combine a visit here with one to the nearby Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, or the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met). Then, head into Central Park to walk around the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir or take a pedicab, bike, or walking tour of the leafy park.

Accessibility

The church is accessible for wheelchair users with a step-free entrance and elevator access to the lower floors.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera, reusable water bottle, scarf or cover-up

What to wear

Smart-casual, modest clothing is most suitable for a service

Not allowed

Remember that this is a place of worship—be quiet and respectful of others, even if you aren’t visiting for religious purposes.

Amenities

Livestream services, public restrooms are available at the Smithsonian Museum or in Central Park

Address

The Episcopal Church of the Heavenly Rest is located at Fifth Avenue and East 90th Street on the Upper East Side, right opposite the Engineer’s Gate at Central Park. The easiest way to reach the church is by taxi or subway.

Driving

Driving on the Upper East Side isn’t recommended, and parking is scarce (not to mention expensive) around the church. It’s far less hassle to hail a cab or book a rideshare service instead.

Public transportation

Ride the 4, 5, or 6 train to the 86th St station, six blocks from the church. Alternatively, hop on the M1, M2, or M3 buses that run along Fifth Avenue, and get off at 90th Street.

Best times to visit

The church is open to visitors daily, and it’s usually quietest mid-morning and late afternoon. Services are held every Sunday morning, and the evening candlelight concerts are also a big hit, often featuring music by household name pop groups and artists.

Best days to visit

Worshippers should come on Sunday to attend a service and meet the community; otherwise, choose a quiet time mid-week to take photos or pray.

Best months to visit

While July and August can bring crowds of newcomers to the church, to connect with the local community, the liveliest time to visit is around seasonal celebrations like Christmas and Easter.

Special events

Art exhibitions and music concerts are held regularly throughout the year, and the church organizes seasonal community events such as a Christmas Pageant and an Easter egg hunt.