Entry, Introduction Theater
A letter from Pope John Paul II and a large-screen projection video about the 1950s discovery of St. Peter's tomb welcome visitors to the exhibit.
Section 1 - The Tomb of St. Peter
The section opens with a re-creation of the second-century Vatican necropolis. Fourth- and fifth-century oil lamps illuminate a path to a life-sized reproduction of the monument marking St. Peter's tomb. The apostle's tomb would later become the site of St. Peter's Basilica. Visitors also can view the fourth-century marble gravestone of a six-year-old boy, Asellus.
Section 2 - Building the Basilicas
Architectural drawings and models, frescos and mosaics tell the story of St. Peter's Basilica-Constantine's ancient church which lasted more than 1,000 years, and today's great church, constructed from 1450 to 1626, and spanning the reign of 28 popes.
Works of art include a fifth-century fresco of St. Peter, the first of a series of papal portraits from the Patriarchal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls; a colorful mosaic image of St. Paul the Apostle dating from the reign of Pope Leo III (795-816); and the Mandylion of Edessa, a fifth-century painting on linen of the face of Jesus. This venerated image is among the most ancient representations of Christ's face and was thought to have had miraculous powers. Other artwork includes Bernini's exquisite terra-cotta sculpture Charity with Four Putti, with the artist's own fingerprints embedded in the clay.
Section 3 - The Sistine Chapel
One of the exhibit's most dramatic rooms, this section features a photographic architectural rendering of the Sistine Chapel. Visitors discover how Michelangelo painted the Chapel ceiling and can view two of his actual drawings. In addition, museum visitors will come to understand the Sistine Chapel as more than a repository for art. The section examines the ceremony surrounding the death of a pope and the process of papal election, both of which take place within the Chapel.
Objects include a ring of St. Pius X (1903-1914); 12 papal portraits by Cecco Bonanotte; a 20th-century papal throne; and the crosier and the papal tiara of Pope Pius IX (1846-1878) which was also worn by Pope John XXIII. A symbol of papacy, the tiara is made of silver, gold, pearls, diamonds, emeralds and other precious stones.
Section 4 - Papal Liturgies
In this section visitors can uncover little-known facts about one of the most revered sites in the world-the altar of St. Peter's Basilica. The actual Vatican site, above the tomb of St. Peter and below the dome of Michelangelo, is where the Pope celebrates mass.
Liturgical objects on display in the exhibition include the 19th-century missals of Pope Leo XIII (1878-1903); a processional cross from 15th century Tuscany; and a chalice crafted in the 16th century of rock crystal, silver gilt, enamel and pearls.
Section 5 - The Papacy: Into the World
This section describes the pope's work within the Roman Catholic Church, his involvement with the missions, and his dialogue with other religions and with the world.
Featured art includes the mass cruets of Leo XIII (1878-1903), crafted in 1878 by Parisian goldsmiths Poussielgue-Rusand; the Bust of Pope John XXIII (1958-1963) by Giacomo Manzu; and a bronze sculpture of Paul VI (1963-1978) by Lello Scorzelli.
Section 6 - Into the New Millenium
Visitors entering this section will pass the re-created Holy Door of St. Peter's Basilica. The pope opens and closes the 12-foot bronze Holy Door every 25 years, or each Jubilee Year, symbolizing an invitation to grace. This final area of the exhibit portrays a spirit of new hope and purpose for mankind entering the third millennium.
Artistic highlights include silver and bronze hammers for the Holy Door opening, a ceremony performed by the pope on Christmas Eve before each Jubilee Year. Other artifacts include a thanka, or devotional cloth, handcrafted by the Dalai Lama for John Paul II in 1978; the pastoral staff of Pope Paul VI and John Paul II; and a bronze cast of Pope John Paul II's hand. |
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