Occasionally, and more like once in lifetime, Catholics can experience all the beauty and treasures of the Vatican without leaving North America. For those interested in seeing a huge exhibition of Vatican art, documents and historical objects without blowing a vacation budget on a trip to the Vatican, Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes exhibition, one of the world’s largest collection, is touring North America right now. Those on the East Coast can see this wonderful exhibition in Montreal at the Basilica de Notre Dame. For Southerners, San Antonio’s Convention Center will host the exhibit in October of this year. For Midwesterners, the exhibit will come to Milwaukee Public Museum in Wisconsin in February 2006.
It's similar to an exhibit of the same name that toured four U.S. cities within recent years, drawing 700,000 visitors. The precious and authentic pieces trace 2000 years of Catholic leadership, beginning with Saint Peter through Pope John Paul II. The objects, including tiaras, sketches, jewelry, vestments, sculptures, as well as gifts to the popes from notables Napoleon and the Dalai Lama, are on loan from the Vatican, the Vatican Museums, the archives of the Propaganda Fide, the Pontifical Sacristy, the Sistine Chapel, and Roman churches administered by the Vatican.
The exhibition is organized into 12 chronological and thematic sections that illustrate the evolution of the church and its papacy beginning with Saint Peter through the papacy of Pope John Paul II. The objects are presented in galleries and environments that enhance the visitor’s understanding of their historical and artistic significance.
Exhibition designers wanted 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 sounds of crickets in the Roman night to the flicker of candles on Michelangelo’s Sistine chapel scaffolding, the exhibition is a multi-sensory experience.
The Office Of The Liturgical Celebrations Of The Supreme Pontiff of the Vatican City and Clear Channel Exhibitions, producer of the event, even have items from newly elected Pope Benedict XVI provided exclusively to the exhibition. These include the cartridge that produced the white smoke heralding Pope Benedict XVI’s election.
Sculpter Cecco Bonanotte created the bronze cast of Pope John Paul II’s hand, one of the most exciting and moving objects in the exhibition. Visitors can press their hand against it as they exit, symbolizing personal contact with the recently deceased pope himself.
Highlights of the tour also include a fourth century marble headstone; a fifth century fresco of Saint Peter; the Mandylion of Edessa, a fifth century linen painting of the face of Jesus; a processional cross from the 15th century; the first known map of Australia; and a crucifix adorned silver pastoral staff of Pope Paul VI and John Paul II.
The exhibition is about art, history, culture and the Church’s legacy over the last 2000 years. The Vatican has had a profound and dominant affect on society, influencing western culture more than any other source in recorded history. Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes is a moving tribute to an exquisite assemblage of art and objects associated with the popes.
A once in a lifetime opportunity for children and adults, individual tickets at $16 each can be purchased through Ticketmaster online here or by calling Ticketmaster @ 210-224-9600. Groups of 15 or more may call 1-877-4VATICAN (1-877-482-8422) (USA) or 001-800-906-6625 (Mexico). Discounts are available for seniors, military members, students, children and groups.
