Modern Religious Architecture
Some of the most striking churches and religious buildings are those that completely depart from traditional forms and incorporate the new, creative, and sometimes downright odd elements of modern architecture. Below is an illustrated index of the 36 Modern Religious Architecture profiled on Sacred Destinations so far. For photo credits, please see corresponding articles.
With a vast collection of art from Japan, China, Korea, India and the Himalayas, this museum is a great way to see beautiful religious artifacts without making a trip to Asia.
The holiest shrine in Latin America and most popular Catholic shrine in the world, this basilica houses a miraculous image of the Virgin Mary who appeared to an Aztec convert.
This is a spectacularly modern reincarnation of the famed ancient Library of Alexandria, the center of learning in the Greek world.
The striking US Air Force Cadet Chapel, made of steel, aluminum and glass, has 17 pointy spires resembling fighter jets soaring up to the sky.
Established in 1988 and dedicated to peace, the Caen Memorial is regarded as the best World War II museum in France. It also includes exhibits on other failures and triumphs of peace, such as 9/11.
Dedicated in 2008, the Cathedral of Christ the Light in Oakland, California is a magnificent example of ultra-modern religious architecture.
Completed in 2002, this modern Catholic cathedral is the third-largest in the world. It is a fine example of modern religious architecture and contains many notable artworks.
Designed by Steven Holl, this magnificent Catholic chapel on the campus of Seattle University has won multiple awards for its unique modern architecture and masterful use of light.
A welcoming Catholic chapel with amazing views, especially at sunset, this is a special attraction for those seeking divine inspiration. It is also interesting for its unique modern architecture.
Completed in 1931, this famous statue of Christ overlooking Rio de Janeiro is the second largest of its kind in the world. It was named one of the New Seven Wonders of the World in 2007.
This church commemorates the Feeding of the Five Thousand and includes a portion of rock where the miraculous meal was laid. The Byzantine-style church preserves splendid 5th-century mosaics.
The original Church of Scientology is located just off Sunset Boulevard in a former hospital building. Here you can take classes in Dianetics and clear your thetans through Auditing.
Consecrated in 2000, this is one of several LDS temples dotted throughout South America. Only Mormons with an official temple recommend may enter.
Home of the famous "Hour of Power" television program, this impressive modern church has walls made entirely of glass - in an earthquake-prone area of California.
The tallest and most striking church in Iceland, the Lutheran cathedral of Reykjavik was completed in 1983. Its design is inspired by Iceland's glaciers.
A modern Franciscan church with a glass floor stands over the ruins of the traditional House of St. Peter, where Jesus lived during his Galilee ministry, healed a paralytic and healed Peter's mother-in-law.
Opened in 1965, this large museum includes art exhibits, a Judaica Wing, an Archaeological Wing, and the wonderful Shrine of the Book containing the Dead Sea Scrolls.
Opened in 2001, Berlin's Jüdisches Museum is housed in a striking modern building containing bizarre angles and open voids to evoke the Holocaust. It is the largest Jewish museum in Europe.
Completed in 1963, Kópavogskirkja is a modern church in Kópavogur, the second-largest town in Iceland (30,000).
In 1879, the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph and St. John appeared at the parish church in Knock. Today, 1.5 million pilgrims visit the shrine each year.
The Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Família is a magnificent basilica designed by celebrated Art Nouveau architect Antoni Gaudi. It remains unfinished, with estimated completion in 2026.
This unique Holocaust memorial was unveiled in May 2005. Spread over a large site in central Berlin, it consists of about 2,700 concrete steles arranged in a grid pattern.
Located in a neighborhood in Anderlecht, this moving memorial consists of a platform centering on a menorah made of chains and a wall bearing the names of 23,838 Belgian Jews who were killed in the Holocaust.
Lyon's mosque was built in the 1990s in a modern style by Lyon architects and funded in large part by the king of Saudi Arabia. Regular guided tours are available.
This excellent modern museum has a huge collection of Roman sarcophagi, 4th-century Christian sarcophagi, and other artifacts up to the 6th century.
Opened in 1997, this uniquely designed building in Lower Manhattan commemorates the victims of the Holocaust. It includes a kosher café.
This excellent modern museum in Edinburgh's Old Town displays artifacts from across Scotland, including Viking brooches, Pictish carved stones, ancient chessmen, medieval oak carvings and more.
This LDS temple in Nauvoo replaces the historically significant original built in 1846 and destroyed in 1850. Completed in 2002, the new temple incorporates materials and furniture from the original.
This world-class museum showcases rare antiquities and religious art from such great cities as Pergamum, Miletus and Babylon, including the famous Ishtar Gate.
Officially named the London Central Mosque, this 1960s-style mosque was built in recognition of the British Empire's vast Muslim population.
Built in 1930 during French rule, this cathedral in white concrete is a surprising and interesting sight in the heart of Casablanca.
The Shrine of Dom Bosco in Brasilia honors the Italian saint who dreamed of a utopian capital city in 1883. Brasilia is inspired by this dream. The shrine's interior is bathed in blue light.
Located in southern Italy, this is the second-most visited Catholic shrine in the world. It centers on the tomb of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, a Capuchin friar, priest and mystic known for his devotion, miracles and stigmata.
A synagogue for Seattle's Reform Jewish community, housed in a space-age-style 1960s building. Anyone is welcome to study at its extensive Jewish library.
Completed in 1969, this is a spectacular underground church built into a massive block of natural granite. it is an active church and a popular venue for classical concerts.
This groundbreaking, concrete Unitarian church was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1909, and is considered one of his great masterpieces.
