I love this concept and the design was intentional and inspiring. The big yellow Yukon Magnolia... read more
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Roofless Church
New Harmony, IN
Review Highlights
“Thought-provoking and Peaceful Spiritual Site”
This dramatic and unusual church structure makes you stop and think about what a building says... read more
robinreagan3
, Indianapolis, Indiana
jtkoehler2
crawfordsville
17270
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All reviews philip johnson quick tour nice walk structure walls brick harmony meditation courtyard town sky statues reflection rose space spirituality worshippers
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gazooby
Bloomington, Indiana
378289
interesting space, worth a 15-minute stop for the spiritual and non-spiritual alike. the metaphor of a "church without a roof" is clear, and the space is peaceful.
Date of experience: October 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC
LaChatNoir
West Lafayette, Indiana
485251
via mobile 
Some reviewers seem confused about what exactly this space is. The domed structure (shaped to cast a shadow of a rose, a symbol of the Harmonists) protects a beautiful Lipchitz sculpture. It is not the Roofless Church.
The brick wall that many refer to as a courtyard, is in fact the wall of the church.
“Johnson and [client Jane Blaffer] Owen envisioned a church where the only roof large enough to encompass a world of worshippers was the sky.”
The Owen family was the second (short-lived) incarnation of a Utopian community (Robert Owen bought the town from the Harmonists). Jane Blaffer Owen and her husband Kenneth (Robert’s descendent) are credited with revitalizing New Harmony in the mid 1900s.
In addition to commissioning the Roofless Church, Jane was instrumental in building the Meier-designed Atheneum, the installation of the Cathedral Labyrinth, the creation of the Barn Abbey, and the restoration of the Granary.
For those who “don’t get” the Roofless Church and are unable to appreciate the work of one of America’s greatest modern architects (Philip Johnson), perhaps you might spend a moment in reflection and appreciation for a woman who saw New Harmony for the historic treasure it is and sought to revitalize its arts community and preserve its history for generations to come.
Date of experience: October 2020
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lauralW3540ZL
10
A must when visiting New Harmony. Peaceful and spiritual. Unique statues and lovely garden. Great place for a wedding.
Date of experience: September 2020
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rickj863
Cahokia, Illinois
2
Interesting concept - lovely for a quick stop. Not much more that can be said about this place but I need 100 words.
Date of experience: July 2020
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Dianna P
Independence, Missouri
466158
We firmly believe that Spirit is everywhere and we don't have to go to church to feel this. We loved this place!
Date of experience: June 2020
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This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC