• Releases
  • Releases
  • View
  • Search
  • List
• Articles
• Calendar
• 

“Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Swiss Guard” features approximately 200 works of art and historically significant objects, many of which have never left the Vatican. 

The exhibition is organized into four thematic sections that illustrate the evolution of the Church and its papacy beginning with Saint Peter through Pope Benedict XVI, with special emphasis on the founding 500 years ago of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Swiss Guard and the Vatican Museums. The objects are presented in galleries and recreated environments that enhance the visitor's understanding of their historical and artistic significance.

Exhibition designers want visitors to feel transported to the Vatican, from the underground catacombs where the remains of Saint Peter were discovered to the magnificent papal chambers found above ground. From the sights and sounds of the grand Basilica to a touchable cast of John Paul II’s hand, the exhibition is a multi-sensory experience.

Following an introductory video, this area tells the story of Saint Peter and the building of the Church.

In this section, visitors will see images of the iconic founders of the Church, including the earliest representation of the face of Jesus in Rome, the Mandylion of Edessa. The venerated image is among the most ancient representations of Christ's face and was thought to have had miraculous powers.

The section opens with a recreation of the second century Vatican necropolis. Here is found a reliquary containing bones of Saint Peter. Ancient oil lamps are displayed near a reproduction of the monument marking Saint Peter’s tomb. The apostle's gravesite later would become the site of Saint Peter's Basilica.

Architectural drawings, paintings and castings tell the story of the original Saint Peter's Basilica built by the Roman emperor, Constantine. Featured is Bust of an Angel, a colorful mosaic attributed to the great 14th century painter, Giotto.

This gallery explores the Renaissance (current) Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Papal Swiss Guard and the Vatican Museums, each marking its 500-year anniversary.

The Renaissance Basilica:  The 500th Anniversary

The first stone of today’s great Saint Peter’s Basilica was laid on April 18, 1506. Some of the most storied names in history – Bramante, Bernini, Raphael, Michelangelo – contributed to the new Saint Peter's.

An exquisite terracotta bust by Bernini is the main focus in this gallery. This section also includes several drawings of the Renaissance Basilica and signed documents by some of its many architects and Michelangelo’s drafting compass.

The Papal Swiss Guard has fascinated the public for centuries. Here the story of this legendary guard is presented, from its history to its present day purpose. Objects presented range from its colorful uniforms to armor and weapons that have been used for function and ceremony.

The Vatican Museums are one of the most famous and renowned cultural institutions of the Holy See. They are known everywhere because of the masterpieces which the Roman Pontiffs have commissioned, collected and preserved during the ages. Visitors will have an opportunity to view extraordinary works by some of the world’s greatest masters and objects from ancient civilizations.

Here, visitors learn about the election of the pope, liturgical celebrations and dialogue with the world. Also featured is the significance of the Sistine Chapel in history and in present-day importance.

This section examines the ceremony surrounding the death of a pope and the process of papal succession, which takes place within the Chapel's chambers.

The timely subject of Election is explored, from the rites, traditions and ceremonies that mark the passing of a pontiff to the process and ceremony for selecting and installing a new pope. The election of Benedict XVI is spotlighted, and actual objects from the ceremonies – presented in context – include a silver and gilt bronze urn and gilt bronze paten used for voting, a voting ballot, a white smoke cartridge used for announcing the election, and the first papal vestments created for the new pope.

Objects in this area demonstrate the importance and solemnity of the ceremonies performed in the Catholic Church. Artifacts include the original miter of Pope Paul VI and the papal tiara of Pope Pius XI. Liturgical objects on display in this gallery include a chasuble of Pope Pius XI, a missal of Pope Leo XIII, and Leo XIII’s table cross of gold, diamonds, emeralds, pearls and sapphires.

This section describes the pope's work within the Roman Catholic Church, his involvement with the missions and his dialogue with other religions and with the world. Featured art includes rare historical documents, such as a 19th century illustration of a funeral in Vietnam and a Tibetan Buddhist hanging scroll, or Thanka, given to Pope John Paul II by the Dalai Lama in 1978.

The Church considers Saint Peter the first pope. With the election of Benedict XVI in 2005, 265 men have served as pope in the 20 centuries since Peter’s ministry. This gallery presents stories and objects of some of the most important and interesting of them. The Tiara of Pope Pius VII, containing one of the world’s largest emeralds, and a bronze sculpture of Paul VI (1963-1978) by Lello Scorzelli highlight the gallery.

The gallery gives special emphasis to Pope John Paul II and today’s pope, Benedict XVI.  John Paul II's pastoral staff and cope worn for the Jubilee year celebration are included in this section, along with a special bronze cast of John Paul II’s hand, created just prior to his passing, which allows visitors to actually touch the form of this much celebrated figure.

A portrait of Benedict XVI and the pope’s chasuble, miter and “Fisherman’s Ring” bid farewell to visitors as they re-enter the world with a new view of the role of the Church and Papacy in the world.