Vatican Splendors
A Journey through Faith and Art

One of the largest collections of Vatican art and historical objects ever viewed in North America.

Experience 2,000 years of art and history presented through extraordinary works by artists such as Michelangelo, Giotto, Guercino and Bernini, and objects marking the most significant moments in the history of the papacy and Vatican.

Vatican Splendors
A Journey through Faith and Art

One of the largest collections of Vatican art and historical objects ever viewed in North America.

Experience 2,000 years of art and history presented through extraordinary works by artists such as Michelangelo, Giotto, Guercino and Bernini, and objects marking the most significant moments in the history of the papacy and Vatican.

A Journey through Faith and Art

Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith & Art is a collection of 200 rare artworks, historical objects, and cultural artifacts from the Vatican’s collections, including

  • a reliquary containing the venerated relics of Saint Peter and Saint Paul
  • paintings by 16th and 17th century masters
  • storied frescoes and mosaics
  • objects discovered at the tombs of Saint Peter and Saint Paul

The exhibition transports visitors to the Vatican, creating a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to view artworks by its most celebrated artists and to explore an extraordinary collection of historical and religious objects. This special presentation of art and objects includes many never before on display in North America, and some not on view to the general public, even in Rome.

From the opening theater experience, where visitors will become immersed in the grandeur of the Vatican, to the closing object of a cast of Pope John Paul II’s hand (which guests may grasp), visitors will encounter the art, history and culture of the Vatican with unprecedented access and insight. The collections are organized to provide a window to the Vatican’s role in the world, with objects marking events throughout 2,000 years of history and tradition, including a more personal look at those who have helped shape, and been shaped, by the Vatican’s important influence over time.  It’s a true “insiders” view of the Vatican, including its spiritual, artistic and ceremonial treasures.

The exhibition is organized and circulated in conjunction with the Congregazione per l’Evangelizzazione dei Popoli of the Vatican City State. The exhibition is produced by Evergreen Exhibitions.

© Citté del Vaticano

Objects and artworks described or shown here or on video are subject to change.

Exhibit Details:

Premiere Venue: The exhibition debuted at The Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum.

Exhibit Details:

  • Exhibit size: 5,000 square feet
  • Target Audience: families, students grades K-12 (with focus on grades 3-8, ages 7-14)
  • Available Spring, Summer, Fall

Broad Audience:

  • Upper elementary and middle school children (ages 7 to 14) and families
  • Young adults
  • K-8 educators
  • Adult museum goers without children
  • Aviation and space enthusiasts
  • Aerospace industry professionals and their families

A Critical Success:

Museum comments…

  • “Above and Beyond has successfully brought each one of these [STEM] subjects to life.” Singapore Science Centre
  • “…Very broad appeal – it is by no means just for aviation enthusiasts,” Smithsonian NASM
  • ”We have been inundated with positive comments about the exhibition, people LOVE IT!” Canada Aviation and Space Museum
  • “We seriously feel that tomorrow’s space explorers are in our exhibit now.”  Orlando Science Center

Visitor surveys

  • 95% of visitors rated their experiences as ‘Superior,’ ‘Excellent,’ or ‘Good’
  • 80% rated their likelihood of recommending as 8, 9 or 10 (1-10 scale)
  • 88% of the follow-up survey respondents said that they had recommended it 

Media bites…

  • “Children will have so much fun” ★★★★★ Londonist
  • “A ground-breaking immersive exhibition” Evening Standard
  • “Experience a moment of child-like wonder” Time Out

Exhibition Video

Now Showing:

Whitaker Center
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania
March 7, 2025 – May 25, 2025

Greensboro Science Center
Greensboro, North Carolina
May 25, 2025 – September 1, 2025

Sampling of Prior Host Venues:

Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, Wash. DC
Saint Louis Science Center, St. Louis, Missouri
National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, UK (London)
Museum of Flight, Seattle, WA
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago, Illinois
Discovery Cube Orange County, Santa Ana, CA
US Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama
Singapore Science Centre, Singapore
Space Center Houston, Houston, Texas
Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong
Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum, Denver, Colorado
Orlando Science Center, Orlando, Florida
New York Hall of Science, New York City
Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Honolulu, Hawaii
National Museum of the USAF, Dayton, OH (Wright-Patterson AFB)

200 rare artworks, historical objects, and cultural artifacts from the Vatican’s collection!

To learn more about Vatican Splendors: