Milan Archdiocese has announced plans for a new interreligious “Ambrosian Monastery.”
The futuristic religious complex will be built in the MIND district on the former Expo grounds. Designed by architect Stefano Boeri, the project includes a triangular church and a triangular cloister. The large covered structure has been compared to a shopping mall or even a ski-jump platform.
According to the Archdiocese, a permanent resident community is expected to live at the site, although no religious institute or monastic order has yet been identified.
The complex will cover around 2,700 square meters, with more than 1,100 square meters dedicated to public and open-access areas.
Representing Different Monotheistic Faith
Unlike a monastery centered on God, prayer, and liturgy, the new structure is conceived as an interreligious and cultural hub.
Diocesan presentations describe it as “a space for spirituality, dialogue, and reflection” intended to bring together religions, cultures, science, and social life.
The project includes a “Library of Religions,” a “Cloister of Religions,” and a “Garden of Religions,” where different monotheistic faiths will be represented symbolically through plants and landscaping.
The church itself is also intended to host cultural events and public activities in addition to religious services.
Humorous Archbishop Mario Delpini of Milan defended the initiative as an effort to connect spirituality with science, ethics, technology, and social coexistence in modern Milan.
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