“Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art”

Many of the works and documents exhibited in “Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art” have never been on public display or previously left the Vatican. Therefore, this exhibition has provided an occasion for undertaking a careful restoration and conservation process that will preserve these objects for future generations.

The following institutions, and private collections, have lent the objects for this exhibition, one of the largest collections from the Vatican ever to tour North America:

Apostolic Floreria – The office in charge of staging and decorations for papal celebrations and audiences.

Basilica of Saint Mary Major – This Basilica is the largest church in Rome dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Among the Patriarchal Basilicas of Rome, Saint Mary Major is the only one to have kept its original structure.

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls – This Basilica was founded by the Roman Emperor Constantine I over the burial place of Saint Paul.

Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples – Formerly known as the Congregation for the Propagation of Faith, it is the Vatican office that, since 1622, has had the responsibility of encouraging missionary activity throughout the world. Its archives are among the most important in the world, and the documents conserved there are fundamental to the understanding of the histories of people from all over the world.

Papal Swiss Guard – The Papal Swiss Guard was founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II. Currently numbering about 110, it helps protect the pope, guards the entrances to Vatican City and the Apostolic Palace, where the pope lives, and performs honor guard duties at Vatican ceremonies. The guard is noted for its colorful vestments: yellow-and-blue striped uniforms and helmets with red, purple or white plumes.

The Reverenda Fabbrica of Saint Peter – The Reverenda Fabbrica is responsible for the administration and upkeep, not only of the interior and exterior of the Basilica, but also of Saint Peter’s Square, the sacristy, the papal grottoes, the Scavi in and around the tomb of Saint Peter, the Vatican mosaic studio, and the vast Fabbrica archives and collections of art and artifacts. It is also responsible for the management and welfare of all workers and pilgrims who visit the Basilica.

Vatican Library – Officially established in 1448, the Vatican Library is the library of the Holy See and one of the oldest and largest in the world.

Media Contacts:

Emily McCrater, Museum of Art I Fort Lauderdale
954-262-0236
emccrater@moafl.org

or

Duree Ross, Duree & Company, Inc.
954-723-9350
duree@dureeandcompany.com