'Vatican Splendors:' Rome in Philadelphia

‘Vatican Splendors:’ Rome in Philadelphia

Posted by Press Release on June 6, 2015

'Portrait of a Cherub' by Giacomo Zoboli (1681-1767) is one of the works that will be featured at the Franklin Institute's 'Vatican Splendors' exhibit. Photo courtesy of ©Cittá del Vaticano

The Franklin Institute has announced plans to host the exclusive East Coast destination of “Vatican Splendors."

A bronze cast of the hand of Saint John Paul II will be part of the 'Vatican Splendors' exhibit. Photo courtesy of ©Cittá del Vaticano

The exhibition, which begins Sept. 19, is timed to take place during the historic Papal visit on Sept. 26 and 27 and the 2015 World Meeting of Families Congress in Philadelphia from Sept. 22 to Sept. 25, said a press release from the Archdiocese of Philadelphia.

It will explore the historical and cultural impact of the Vatican over the span of 2,000 years through significant objects straight from the Vatican in Rome, Italy. Every object in the exhibition tells its own story, together forming a historical mosaic of the Vatican. Many of the artifacts have never before been on public view.

Highlights of the nearly 10,000-square-foot exhibition include artwork by Michelangelo, including signed documents and a rarely seen bas relief sculpture, and tools used in work on the Sistine Chapel and the Basilica of Saint Peter's; works by masters, including Bernini and Guercino, artwork dating back to the first century; and venerated remains (bone fragments) of Saints Peter and Paul.

The exhibition is organized into 11 galleries that illustrate the evolution of the church, with thematic areas highlighting important developments, people. and events tied to the history of the Vatican, reflected in both important historical objects and artistic expression from different eras. The objects are presented in recreated environments designed to enhance the understanding of their historical and artistic significance.

Reliquary — This gold and silver reliquary, which will be on display at the Franklin Institute, contains bones of Saint Peter, Saint Paul and several other saints. Photo courtesy of ©Cittá del Vaticano

"There could not be a more fitting exhibition to bring to Philadelphia this fall than ‘Vatican Splendors,’" Larry Dubinski, president and CEO of The Franklin Institute, said in the release. "Hosting an exhibit of this caliber during such a momentous time for Philadelphia and the world is truly remarkable and for anyone participating in the World Meeting of Families or the Papal Visit and mass, ‘Vatican Splendors’ will unquestionably add an unforgettable layer to that once-in-a-lifetime experience."

The Franklin Institute is the only East Coast stop for the exhibition, the first of a two-city North American tour, after which the items will return to the Vatican, from which they cannot be absent for more than a year.

“Having had the opportunity to personally experience the Vatican Museum in March 2014, I am thrilled to welcome to Philadelphia this exhibit, which features many of the same precious objects I saw in Vatican City,” Philadelphia Mayor Michael A. Nutter said in the release. “Making this exhibit open and available to the public immediately before we host the World Meeting of Families and Pope Francis is a wonderful way to prepare for that event and make it even more accessible to everyone."

“Vatican Splendors,” which will run through Feb. 15, will be open Thursday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., with last exhibit entry at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday through Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., with last exhibit entry at 3:30 p.m.

Daytime tickets, which are now on sale and include general admission, are $34.95 for adults, and $28.95 for children ages 3 to 11; evening tickets (from 5 p.m. to close) are $22.95 for adults and $14.95 for children ages 3-11. For more information, visit www.fi.edu.