The Diocese of Peoria has started construction on The Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Experience, a new facility dedicated to honoring the life and work of Venerable Fulton J. Sheen. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on October 19 and signals the beginning of a project that will transform the former Spalding Institute in downtown Peoria, where Sheen attended high school, into a cultural center focused on faith, history, and innovation.

“We are thrilled to transform the historic diocesan high school building into this new facility,” said Bishop Louis Tylka, bishop of the Diocese of Peoria. “We believe this project will draw even more visitors to the city to grow in their knowledge and love of the man who is arguably Peoria’s greatest son and through his witness, draw closer to Jesus Christ.”

The planned center will include interactive exhibits, an expanded museum with additional memorabilia related to Sheen, and a media room highlighting his radio and television career. There will also be conference rooms, meeting spaces, and outdoor areas with views of Peoria.

According to project estimates, construction costs are expected to range from $11 million to $12 million with completion anticipated in late 2027. The diocese collaborated with Rich Conneen Architects LLC for the design but has not yet selected a building firm.

“Archbishop Fulton Sheen was not only a son of Peoria but a voice for the Church that touched millions across the world,” said Bishop Tylka. “With the Fulton J. Sheen Experience, we are creating a place where visitors can encounter his faith, vision, and enduring witness. This center will inspire future generations to live boldly for Christ, just as he did.” Currently, about 4,000 people visit the existing Sheen museum each year; projections suggest that number could rise to between 11,000 and 15,000 once the new center opens.

Fulton J. Sheen was born in El Paso, Illinois in 1895 and ordained as a priest for the Diocese of Peoria in 1919. He taught at The Catholic University of America before gaining national recognition as host of NBC Radio’s The Catholic Hour. His television program Life Is Worth Living reached up to 30 million viewers and earned him an Emmy Award in 1952 for Most Outstanding Television Personality. He later led missionary efforts as head of the Society for the Propagation of the Faith and served as Bishop of Rochester.

Sheen died in New York City on December 9, 1979. In 2012 he was declared “Venerable,” and his cause for beatification remains open while efforts continue within both U.S. church leadership and at the Vatican level.