How to See the Vatican Splendors Exhibit

The Vatican Splendors exhibit tours the U.S. starting in February 2008. It's a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see rare objects and art from the Vatican. Here are tips to get the maximum enjoyment from the exhibition.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• ability to travel to a city where the exhibit appears
• interest in art and history

1. The exhibition will rotate from St. Petersburg, FL (February 9-May 11, 2008) to Cleveland, OH and then to St. Paul, MN. Hopefully you are close to one of those cities or can book a vacation trip to match the time of the exhibition.
2. Book your ticket through the museum booking number or through Ticketmaster. (ticketmaster.com)
3. Go early for your scheduled time to find parking, pick up your tickets if they are being held, and to get your headphones. There is a small charge for the audio tour (headphones).
4. The headphones let you listen to additional information about the art and special objects you will see. When you come to numbered sections of the exhibits, just press that number into the audio tour device. You can adjust the sound, and have it repeat.
5. Be sure to read all the labels for each painting, object or item. These give you background to help in appreciating the history and quality of the exhibit.
6. The lighting is kept low to avoid damaging sensitive art. Step back to see the work from different angles until you find the best view.
7. The first gallery focuses on the foundations of the Church (St Peter, Jesus, the Holy Family and the Apostles) including the Tomb of Saint Peter and a reliquary containing bones of Saint Peter.
8. Gallery 2 - 500 Years of the Vatican features Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Swiss Guard, and the Vatican Museums. Note the vintage costumes, very colorful, of the Swiss Guard.
9. Gallery 3 - Learn about the succession of the pope, the Sistene Chapel, and the work the pope does. There are beautiful miters, tiaras and jeweled crosses.
10. Gallery 4 - See objects relating to different popes and discover their stories. There's even a bronze casting of John Paul II's hand. You're allowed to place your hand over it.
11. If you are can't travel to one of the cities to see it, look at some photos of the magnificent collection on the website below.

Tips & Warnings

• Go early in the day to beat the crowds.
• Be prepared to stand/walk for 2 hours going through the exhibition.
• Plan for a nice lunch or dinner before or after the exhibit and make a full day's outing of it.
• Don't wait until the last minute to book tickets or you might miss out.