Vatican treasures arrive in February
The first U.S. stop for 200 works will be a St. Petersburg museum.
By JACOB H. FRIES, Times Staff Writer
Published November 16, 2007
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[Handout] This papal tiara was shown in the 2003 Fort Lauderdale exhibit. The list of items for the new show has not been determined. |
The exhibit, which includes 200 works, is stopping in two other U.S. cities, but St. Petersburg has the honor of showing it first, said Kathy Oathout, the museum's executive director. The show, dubbed "Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard," will runFeb. 9 to May 11.
"We're told it's the largest collection of art, documents and historically significant objects from the Vatican ever to tour North America," Oathout said. "To be selected as the first stop is very special."
The list of specific works included in the exhibit is still being finalized. Based on similar shows in other cities, organizers expect it will draw a minimum of 150,000 people to the museum, located at 244 Second Ave. N in downtown. Museum officials plan to make a formal announcement about the exhibit later this month when tickets go on sale. The exact date for the start of ticket sales has not been set.
Tickets will cost $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, $15 for those in the military, $13 for children 6-12. Children under 6 can enter free.
"It could end up being the single best Florida exhibit in the new year," said Carl Kuttler, president of St. Petersburg College, which hosts the museum on its downtown campus. "It just adds to the museum's history of bringing great exhibits here."
The exhibit, covering 8,500 square feet of the museum, will display some objects and art in a contextual environment, Oathout said.
For example, some works may be displayed in a recreation of St. Peter's tomb.
In 2003, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art hosted a collection of Vatican treasures called "Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Pope."
Among the 350 pieces were the oldest known representation of Jesus and the papal tiara. The blockbluster exhibit was seen by more than 150,000 people.
"It's not a Catholic event, per se," said Tim Hancock, chairman of the Florida International Museum's board.
"The Vatican, it's like the Smithsonian. They have so many things. They don't let their treasures out very often. Usually one has to travel to Rome or the Vatican to see this. So when they put them out on display, it's quite an ordeal."
Jacob H. Fries can be reached at jfries@sptimes.com or 727 893-8872.
[Last modified November 15, 2007, 23:57:07]
P.S. Bolds and Highlight added for emphasis. Blogman
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