The Park
Thanks-Giving Square generally refers to the visible park, which is operated by the non-profit Thanks-Giving Foundation. The park, designed by architect Philip Johnson, was dedicated in 1976 to promote the concept of giving thanks as a universal, human value.
At the main entrance to the park is the Court of All Nations and the Wall of Praise. The Wall of Praise features a portion of the text from Psalms 100 and a mosaic based on Norman Rockwell's "The Golden Rule". From the Wall of Praise, visitors are led to a 50-foot (15 m) Bell Tower that features three bronze bells designed in the form of the Liberty Bell. The bells ring every hour.
Beside the Bell Tower is the Ring of Thanks and Circle of Giving. The 14-foot (4 m) diameter aluminum ring is covered in 23 carat (96%) gold leaf and invites the visitor to pass through the ring before entering the courtyard of Thanks-Giving Square.
The most prominent and recognizable feature of Thanks-Giving Square is the Chapel of Thanksgiving, a small, spiral tower that features an enclave for prayerful thanks. The entrance to the chapel is at the end of a 125-foot (38 m) bridge that runs over a cascading waterfall. Inside the chapel, the spiral is topped with stained glass "Glory Window", one of largest horizontally mounted stained-glass pieces in the world. The window was designed by Gabriel Loire of Chartres, France to feature brighter colors as the spiral reached its apex, becoming brighter as it reaches the center. The window appears in a shot in director Terrence Malick's 2011 film The Tree of Life. The etched glass window "The Spirit of Thanksgiving," designed by glass engraver John Hutton, features a dove over the doorway.
Below the chapel is the Hall of Thanksgiving and Exhibit Area, which tells the story of the American Thanksgiving tradition.
The courtyard slopes to below-street level and is surrounded by running water featuring waterfalls and aqueducts. The area contains many grassy areas and is a popular gathering place for office workers and downtown residents.
The private multi-faith organization implements the Multifaith Exploration and Exchange Program that is dedicated to the pursuit of understanding between different faiths and religions. Tours, presentations and various programming take place throughout the year.
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Exterior of the Chapel of Thanksgiving
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"Glory Window"
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"The Golden Rule" mosaic
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Thanks-Giving Square courtyard
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Thanks-Giving Square waterfalls
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Bell Tower and Ring of Thanks and Circle of Giving
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