House of Religions, Dialogue of Cultures (Haus der Religionen – Dialog der Kulturen), Bern, Switzerland.
The ‘House of Religions – Dialogue of Cultures’ is unique in the world as a place that unifies eight religious communities as well as a space dedicated to the dialogue with the public under one roof. Since its opening in December 2014, the House of Religions at Europaplatz (Place of Europe) in Bern welcomes five religious communities that hitherto had no dignified premises. Thus Hindus, Muslims, Christians, Alevis and Buddhists have found their own sanctuary and keep learning to live together. Three other religious communities – Jews, Baha’i and Sikhs – take part in the program by groups of dialogue.
The heart of the house is the dialogue area, which is dedicated to educational services, activities for families and young people, exhibitions, lectures and round tables. A variety of cultural activities and culinary events organised by the Vanakam Restaurant complete the program. The goal is to reach more than just the peaceful coexistence. As a laboratory of living together we invite all interested people – religious or not – to experience and maintain a dialogue beyond the frontiers of religion, language and culture.
Further information, and photographs, available on the Bern city website and on the Bauart architects website.
Center for Intercultural Dialogue 