Vatican Splendors
One of the largest collections of Vatican art and historical objects ever viewed
in North America
Reliquary holding fragment of bones of Saint Peter, Michelangelo personal items, Bernini’s sculpture, Papal election objects, earliest known representation of Jesus featured in collection.
“Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard” will present unique objects illustrating the Vatican’s impact on history and culture through 2,000 years. The timing of the exhibition commemorates the 500th anniversary of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the founding of the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the establishment of the Papal Swiss Guard.
Approximately 200 rare objects will be presented in contextual environments, such as the recreated tomb of Saint Peter. Items in the collection—which includes tiaras; mosaics; paintings; works by well-known sculptors; papal rings and jewels; intricately embroidered silk vestments; precious objects from the Papal Mass; armor, swords and vestments of the Papal Swiss Guard; and gifts to the popes from notables such as Napoleon and the Dalai Lama—are on loan from the Vatican Museums, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Reverenda Fabbrica of Saint Peter, the Apostolic Floreria, private collections and the Papal Swiss Guard.
The exhibition also will feature actual objects relating to the election of Pope Benedict XVI, such as election ballots, patens and urns used in voting, a ceremonial vestment and an actual white smoke cartridge announcing the election.
Highlights of the exhibition include a reliquary containing fragments of bones of Saint Peter and a gold Votive Plaque found in the area of the tomb, all displayed within a dramatic reproduction of the Tomb of St. Peter; the Mandylion of Edessa, a third to fifth century image on linen considered one of the oldest known representations of Jesus present in Rome; a mosaic Bust of an Angel by the 14th century master, Giotto; personal items and tools of Michelangelo; an exquisite terra-cotta sculpture by Bernini; the Papal Tiara of Pope Pius VII, the symbol of the papacy, made of gold, precious stones, pearls, velvet and silk, and topped with an exquisite emerald; a Buddhist Thanka of embroidered cloth and pearls, given by the Dalai Lama to John Paul II; the Pastoral Staff of Pope John Paul II; and a special presentation of uniforms, armor and weapons from the legendary Papal Swiss Guard.
“Vatican Splendors" is organized and circulated in conjunction with the Governatorato of the Vatican City State. The exhibition is produced by Evergreen Exhibitions.
For Tickets and Group Sales: visit www.vaticansplendors.com.
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