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.
Peter Brandes and his wife, Maja Lisa Engelhardt, are two of Denmark’s leading artists. Brandes is a painter, sculptor, ceramic artist and photographer. He holds the record for having created (11 times) the largest ceramic vessels in the history of the world. His wife Maja Lisa Engelhardt is well regarded as an abstract painter with representation at the Elizabeth Harris Gallery in New York City and in galleries throughout Europe. Both Brandes and Engelhardt are involved in liturgical design. During the past twenty-five years they have been in large part responsible for a “renaissance in Danish church interiors.” They have made work for over 20 churches with stained glass, painted altarpieces, floor coverings, mosaics, vestments and metal work, all essential components of their extensive ecclesiastical projects. Brandes has recently completed a new commission, The Church of the Northern Lights at the tip of Norway.
View an interview with artist Peter Brandes
View an interview with artist Maja Lisa Engelhardt