Saint John Paul II National Shrine

An absolutely fantastic place. I had not been there since they re-​did everything. It is much more involved than it used to be. There is a reliquary chapel, a larger oratory, and a very detailed museum display. The videos and displays are great. And it’s all free. If you are planning on visiting the Brookland/​National Shrine area, go to the JP2 Shrine.

Great place to visit. You can find there a chapel, church with wonderful mosaics. Museum and many more. Everything is devoted to John Paul II.

This is a really lovely place, and it looks like it could be expanding even more. Some construction was evident inside. I visited on a Sunday and there were only a few other people in the museum. The employees were very courteous and happy to have visitors.
The visit itself was definitely enlightening. I thought I knew enough about JPII but this shrine/​museum proved otherwise. An abundance of original documents, quotes, etc. show how special and influential this man was during his life. As someone with Polish ancestry, learning more about Poland during the twentieth century and how significant historical events affected JPII’s life was particularly interesting. He seemed like a truly wonderful man and I really gained a new level of respect for him.
The exhibit was well done, well-​curated, and often very moving and emotional. I wish I could have taken pictures inside because some of the things that are on display are quite lovely. I was very impressed with the whole thing, and I caught my mom tearing up at certain parts of the visit. I hope this museum experiences much success as it grows.

I would like to give this center an updated and fair assessment sometime when they are actually open. Unfortunately, I believed the Unilocal hours and arrived without an appointment. Was disappointed that no one else had even made an appointment on the same morning.
The Cultual Center’s vision is… «to promote the message of faith, hope, and community, that it can provide the atmosphere and the resources needed for those who visit to discover their faith or to just reflect on their journey to Emmaus.» By being closed to the public on the great majority of days, including no plans to open for a tour during the 2011 March for Life, the center has missed an opportunity to fulfill that vision, neglecting to open its doors to any of the thousands of people assembling from around the country just 3 blocks walk away.
Open by appointment only. Very disappointed.

The architecture on the center is interesting. There’s a row of large windows on the top floor, and a circular part of the center that juts out from the main rectangular shape of the building.
As you would expect, the Center explores the Catholic faith and culture. Once inside, if it is a nice day, you’ll see sunlight coming through the high windows. Head to the hallway that contains an exhibit called «Hands of Peace.» This exhibit features bronze castings of Pope John Paul II and also the hands of some of the people he touched physically and spiritually.
Once you have made your way downstairs, you’ll see the Pope’s memorabilia — personal and papal. Other than that, believe it or not there is a kiddie play area here. It has the usual drawing table and mini movie theater, and not so typical touchable, ring-​able church bells and stained glass activity area.
For adults there are interactive question and answer kiosks with themes such as «Church Fathers» and «Why do Catholics Do That?» There are also televisions throughout playing testimony from the devout.