The Washington National Cathedral has introduced a groundbreaking 3D virtual tour, offering visitors a chance to explore the world’s sixth-largest Gothic cathedral from anywhere in the world. This immersive experience captures the building’s architectural and artistic grandeur in unprecedented digital detail.
Digital Innovation Meets Cultural Heritage
Developed by CoStar Group, a global leader in real estate data, analytics, and 3D digital twin technology, the project was created from 8 billion data points collected through aerial drone footage and Matterport technology. The result is one of the most complex digital models ever built using Matterport—accurate to the centimeter and capable of rendering the Cathedral’s intricate stonework, stained glass, and vaulted ceilings with stunning realism.
A Global Window into Architectural Splendor
Visitors can now virtually tour the Cathedral’s soaring nave, view the famed Space Window featuring a piece of moon rock, and explore the surrounding gardens. According to the Very Rev. Randolph Marshall Hollerith, Dean of the Cathedral, this project fulfills the institution’s mission to make its art, history, and architecture accessible to all, regardless of location.
Engineering Excellence in Restricted Airspace
Over three days in 2024, CoStar’s teams captured high-resolution imagery both inside and outside the Cathedral—securing rare FAA and TSA permissions to operate drones in Washington’s restricted airspace. The project included 2,750 separate Matterport scans, enhanced with informational tags that provide insights into the Cathedral’s history and design features.
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