Boston churches vary in style from plain to ornate, but most of them are historic or, at the very least, quite old. However, there’s one chapel in Cambridge that stands out from the others. The MIT Chapel is a mid-century modern structure that was built to encourage spiritual contemplation.

Flickr/Thomas Hawk

Although lined by stained glass windows, the entrance to this non-denominational chapel feels a little tight. This provides a deliberate contrast to the domed ceiling inside. As you enter, your attention is seized by the use of light.

Flickr/bujcich

A sculpture by Harry Bertoia dusts the marble altar below with shimmering light, which filters down from a skylight.

Flickr/Lorianne DiSabato A second source of light comes from the moat. Yes, you read that correctly! The MIT Chapel is encircled by a petite moat. This, too, has meaning; it sets the chapel apart from other nearby buildings.

The chapel was recently restored and part of the repair work was on the moat. Now, light can bounce off the water and emerge from the bottom of the walls into the chapel again.

Flickr/S. N. Johnson-Roehr (JR) The extra light is needed because the chapel doesn’t have any traditional windows. This was part of a design that encourages visitors to look inside themselves rather than outside at the world.

So, who created this one-of-a-kind brick building?

Flickr/bujcich That would be the famous Finnish-American architect, Eero Saarinen. He is known for designing everything from the “tulip chair” to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

The chapel opened in 1955, at the same time as the neighboring Kresge Auditorium.

Flickr/Via Tsuji The domed auditorium (pictured above) was also designed by Saarinen.

At first glance, the cylindrical brick chapel might look unremarkable from the outside.

Flickr/S. N. Johnson-Roehr (JR) That impression changes after you take in the bell tower and its 1300-pound bell, which was cast at MIT’s Metals Processing Laboratory.

The design on top, dreamed up by a man named Theodore Roszak, is a blend of symbols from the Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish faiths. All are welcome here.

Flickr/ Angelo Mercado This applies to visitors as well. While prospective students and their families will want to take one of the student-led campus tours, members of the public can go on a self-guided tour here. The university has even put together a handy guide.

It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with MIT’s reputation that the college also has its own free app, which includes a searchable campus map. Either option works, and there’s plenty of interesting architecture to admire on campus.

As you can see, MIT is not only a world-renowned school; it also has a fascinating campus! Have you had a chance to check out the architecture here yet?

Flickr/Thomas Hawk

Flickr/bujcich

Flickr/Lorianne DiSabato

A second source of light comes from the moat. Yes, you read that correctly! The MIT Chapel is encircled by a petite moat. This, too, has meaning; it sets the chapel apart from other nearby buildings.

Flickr/S. N. Johnson-Roehr (JR)

The extra light is needed because the chapel doesn’t have any traditional windows. This was part of a design that encourages visitors to look inside themselves rather than outside at the world.

That would be the famous Finnish-American architect, Eero Saarinen. He is known for designing everything from the “tulip chair” to the iconic Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

Flickr/Via Tsuji

The domed auditorium (pictured above) was also designed by Saarinen.

That impression changes after you take in the bell tower and its 1300-pound bell, which was cast at MIT’s Metals Processing Laboratory.

Flickr/ Angelo Mercado

This applies to visitors as well. While prospective students and their families will want to take one of the student-led campus tours, members of the public can go on a self-guided tour here. The university has even put together a handy guide.

It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with MIT’s reputation that the college also has its own free app, which includes a searchable campus map. Either option works, and there’s plenty of interesting architecture to admire on campus.

Chapel Address: W15 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 (the entrance is found at 44 Massachusetts Avenue).

The chapel is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Please note that it does close during services and for special events.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.