Diocesan Museum

Open Tuesday – Saturday
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
and by appointment

Free admission and parking in any cathedral lot.
Handicap entrance on the south side of the building.

1103 S. Calhoun St., Fort Wayne.

Encounter Christ in our diocesan heritage

Diocesan Museum is a treasure trove of religious artifacts that bring to life the Catholic faith’s awe-inspiring history, especially that of northeast Indiana. Many items are significant in telling the story of the Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend, while others reference the universal history of Christ and the Catholic Church. The displays are informative, sometimes thought-provoking, even amusing. Museum artifacts include a mid-13th century handwritten bible; relics of St. Mother Teresa and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; a collection of nun dolls; an 85-year-old statue showing the graphic wounds of a scourged Jesus.

Museum History

Diocesan Museum started as a dream of Msgr. Thomas L. Durkin. When he passed away in 1977, newly-ordained Father Phillip Widmann began planning a museum in his memory. Over the next forty years, Father Widmann collected, rescued, and restored items abandoned when local churches closed. Other items were donated from people’s closets and basements. Until his death in 2021, Father Widmann oversaw the setting up of displays and wrote the information labels/notes that accompany them.

The Museum opened its doors in 1981. After several moves, it came to be housed in its current location in 2019. It has remained free and open to the public. All are welcome!

The Shroud of Turin: Encounter Christ in the World’s Greatest Mystery

A full-size replica of the Shroud of Turin, the sacred burial cloth believed to have wrapped the body of our Lord Jesus after His crucifixion, will be permanently displayed at the Diocesan Museum in a free, ecumenical exhibit that invites all to prayerfully reflect on Christ’s profound sacrifice.

This March, join Dr. Cheryl H. White, a leading expert in Shroud studies, for one of three free talks as you draw closer to the heart of Christ’s through this encounter with His suffering and love.

learn more

Window Restoration Fund

The Diocesan Museum is located in the historic former diocesan Chancery building, which was erected in 1950. While many aspects of the building need updating, the 77 windows in particular need repaired, recalked, and covered with UV protective film, all to help ensure that the valuable artifacts in the museum are preserved for future generations.

give

TOURS

Group tours of the Diocesan Museum may be scheduled in advance to take place during regular museum hours (Tues. – Sat. 10a.m. to 2p.m.) Off-hour tours can also be arranged. Tours coordinated with the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception are also available. Due to space restrictions, 40 participants is the largest recommended tour size. Call to make an appointment and plan your group visit: 260-424-1485 ext. 401

FIELD TRIPS

The Diocesan Museum is a great place for a youth group or parish group wanting to deepen their understanding of the Catholic Church in our Diocese. Social groups or groups unaffiliated with any religion are also invited to come increase their knowledge of regional history or just view the beautiful artifacts. Call to make an appointment and plan your group visit: 260-424-1485 ext. 401

Learn more about us from Today’s Catholic

New Location

Diocesan Museum back home on Cathedral Square

The museum’s four exhibit rooms focus on separate topics: the Eucharist, relics, bishops and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and other items. Information cards provide details about the items so people can explore the museum on their own.

Items used by early bishops on loan to Diocesan Museum

A request by Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades to the U.S. Province of the Congregation of the Holy Cross has resulted in a loan to Diocesan Museum, Fort Wayne, of several never-before-exhibited items used by former Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend bishops.

Museum highlights Church and diocesan history

Items for the museum have been donated for public viewing, but the museum also serves as a repository. For example, sometimes when a priest dies, his chalice is donated to the museum and then given to a newly-ordained priest who does not yet have a chalice.

Nearby Attractions

Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception

Located next door to the north of the Diocesan Museum in the 1100 block of South Calhoun Street. The Cathedral was built in 1859 and is especially noted for its gothic-style architecture, its Bavarian stained-glass windows, and its wood carvings. The Cathedral is open daily, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m. There is a daily Mass at noon.

website

Good Shepherd Books and Gifts

Located on the first floor of the Archbishop Noll Catholic Center, 915 S. Clinton Street (about 2 blocks from the Museum). The store includes an outstanding array of religious books, cards, statues, crucifixes, medals, rosaries, and many other religious items. Regular hours: Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Call for special seasonal hours.

website

St. Mother Theodore Guerin Chapel

Located at 1123 S. Calhoun Street, next door and south of the Cathedral. Built in 1950 and originally called the MacDougal Chapel, the circular chapel was designed for quiet prayer and reflection. The Chapel is open daily, 8:30a.m. to 4:30p.m.

Contact Us

Kathy Imler, Director
[email protected]

Diocesan Museum
1103 S. Calhoun Street
Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802

Open Tuesday – Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and by appointment

Call 260-424-1485 ext. 401