Thursday, March 31, 2011

Vatican Splendors: 2000 years of Vatican art and history



 Vatican Splendors, an exhibit of approximately 200 works of art, documents and historical objects from the Vatican, will be in South Florida for just a few short weeks.  The exhibit is at the Museum of Art in Fort Lauderdale until April 24th, 2011. 

Admire magnificent works of art by artists such as Giotto and Il Guercino and sculptures by Baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini and Michelangelo.   Included are paintings, mosaics, and sculptures.  Additionally, several unique objects, such as Papal jewels, intricately embroidered silk vestments, uniforms of the Papal Swiss Guard, and an elaborately decorated gold and silver reliquary containing bone fragments of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, exemplify the Catholic Church’s impact on history and culture.

This is one of the largest Vatican collections to ever tour in North America.

The collection is organized into 10 galleries that reveal the evolution of the Church and the papacy beginning with Saint Peter.  Special areas highlight important developments, moments, people and events tied to the history of the Catholic Church and the Vatican.

Visitors will feel transported to the Vatican,  they can experience 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, visitors will be captivated.

*Images and information from Museum of Art website and print brochures