Explore Calvary Chapel
Calvary Chapel is a sacred worship space located on Biola University’s La Mirada campus. The chapel — originally constructed in 1975 by architect John Andre Gougeon — was renovated in summer 2018 by world-renowned Danish artists Peter Brandes and Maja Lisa Engelhardt, who transformed the space with original sculptures, stained-glass windows and reimagined seating, flooring, paint and lighting.
We invite you to explore their artistic vision with a guided tour of Calvary Chapel, a cross-shaped worship space that has been beautifully recreated around a central theme — the resurrection of Christ.
Begin Self-Guided Tour![Cross shaped Calvary Chapel layout with Western Wing on top, Northern Wing to the right, Eastern Wing at the bottom, and Southern Wing on the left](https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/5b91b71d6537c80001a3de0a/calvary-chapel-map.png)
![Exterior of Calvary Chapel, featuring large gold cross on blue double doors](https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/5b8899b7726d590001f0c9bd/preview-introduction-49956577121.jpg)
Section 1
Introduction
Before beginning the self-guided tour, learn more about the chapel’s history and its renovation. Find information on the artists behind the renovation, Peter Brandes and Maja Lisa Engelhardt.
![Inside of Calvary Chapel as seen from the doorway](https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/5bd1fba04a8ff900015c0066/preview-western-50513100500.jpg)
Section 2
Western Wing (Stage)
The stage area of the chapel features a large gilded sculpture, flanked by stained-glass windows portraying stories of Jesus and Mary Magdalene, Abraham and Isaac, the prophet Elijah, and David and Saul.
![South wing of Calvary Chapel with stained glass](https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/5b8899c86537c80001a3d824/preview-southern-50118640500.jpg)
Section 3
Southern Wing
Explore the left alcove of the chapel, which includes stained-glass windows representing biblical passages on Cain and Abel, the institution of the Lord’s Supper and the Crucifixion of Christ.
![Northern wing of Calvary Chapel with stained glass](https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/5b8899cf6537c80001a3d826/preview-northern-50118656325.jpg)
Section 4
Northern Wing
Calvary Chapel’s right alcove serves as a counterpart to the left alcove. The stained-glass found here represents Christ’s resurrection, the Parable of the Sower and the baptism of Jesus.
![Two tall blue doors at the entrance of Calvary Chapel](https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/5bd1fc354a8ff900015c006a/preview-eastern-50513149289.jpg)
Section 5
Eastern Wing (Entrance)
The chapel’s entrance features decorative and biblically inspired stained-glass. Explore windows depicting the Parable of the Prodigal Son and Jesus’ interaction with Nicodemus.
![One of the artists with a one of the stained glass pieces](https://assets.biola.edu/4396738754672012438/attachment/5b89be5c6537c80001a3d91c/preview-conclusion-49875835632.jpg)
Section 6
Conclusion
End your self-guided tour with some final facts about Calvary Chapel, Biola University and more. Also, learn about the innovation behind the chapel renovation.