The Diocese of Milan Presents the Ambrosian Monastery at MIND

Ambrosian Monastery at MIND (Milan Innovation District): a new project unveiled by the Diocese of Milan.

The initiative began in 2023 with an initial collection of ideas, followed by the decision to establish a Church presence within the MIND, the site where Expo 2015 was held.

The project aims to revive the historic connection between spirituality and progress that has traditionally characterized the work of monks throughout the region, while reinterpreting it in a new and modern way. The plan is based on three fundamental pillars: community liturgical life (supported by a permanent religious presence), interfaith dialogue (through a cloister, a garden, and a library dedicated to world religions), and cultural exchange, designed to foster a dialogue between the humanistic and theological heritage and the district’s scientific research centers and universities. According to the Diocese’s plans, the project is expected to be completed by 2030 and accommodate up to 70,000 people.

WHY A MONASTERY?

The decision to draw inspiration from the monastery and its architecture responds to specific contemporary needs. The monastic layout places the value of community gathering back at the center, while also providing a perfect balance between spaces dedicated to silence and those intended for activity. All of this will take shape in an architectural design marked by simplicity and maximum environmental sustainability, capable of blending harmoniously with MIND’s futuristic skyline. This project demonstrates how the ancient monastic tradition can evolve and be reinterpreted within a contemporary and forward-looking context. A bridge between faith, culture, and science. (La Diocesi in Mind: presentato il “Monastero Ambrosiano”)