There's No Chapel In The World Like This One In Massachusetts

Massachusetts is practically lousy with gorgeous chapels. The white steeples of colonial-era churches, beautiful temples and newer faith centers serve as community gathering points and architectural treasures in almost every Massachusetts town.

There is one chapel, however, that stands out among the rest. The MIT Chapel is one of the most striking churches in the state, and is considered one of the most important examples of mid-century modern architecture in the nation.

Flickr/Thomas Hawk

Designed by famous architect Eero Saarinen, the chapel is located on the grounds of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge. Construction was completed in 1955, and though it might not look like much from the outside, the inside will take your breath away.

Flickr/Thomas Hawk

With its rough brick walls, curving spire and glittering metal sculpture descending from the stunning skylight, this chapel is sure to inspire awe and reverence in all who visit. The skylight and altar are the unmistakable focal points of this chapel; natural light cascades over the suspended metal shards hanging over the simple, unadorned altar.

Advertisement

Related Stories

There's Something Horrifying Hiding Inside This Massachusetts Library

The Incredibly Diverse Churches Found In One Tiny Town In Massachusetts Will Surprise You

The Small Town Of Stockbridge, Massachusetts Is Picture Perfect For A Weekend Trip

Wikimedia Commons

In his book, History of American Architecture, Leland M. Roth marvels at the beauty of the chapel. He writes: "through the sheer manipulation of light and its focus on a blazingly white marble altar block, Saarinen created a place of mystic quiet." And it's hard to disagree.

Advertisement

Flickr/Naquib Hossain

Flickr/Georgia Popplewell

The chapel is also non-denominational, which means that people of all faiths are welcome to worship, pray or simply sit and reflect in this beautiful building.

Have you visited the MIT chapel? What did you think? Let us know!