FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Vatican Art & History Exhibit One of the largest collections of Vatican art and historical objects ever viewed in North America to open s in St. Petersburg Reliquary holding fragment of bones of Saint Peter, Michelangelo personal items, Bernini's sculpture, Papal election objects, earliest known representation of Jesus featured in collection. SAINT PETERSBURG , Fla. ( February 7, January 2, 2008) – One of the largest collections of art, documents and historically significant objects from the Vatican ever to tour North America opens at is coming to Florida International Museum beginning February 9, 2008. “Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard” w ill present unique objects illustrating the Vatican 's impact on history and culture through 2,000 years. The timing of the exhibition commemorates the 500th anniversary of Saint Peter's Basilica, the founding of the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo's painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the establishment of the Papal Swiss Guard. “Only three U.S. cities will host ‘Vatican Splendors,' which commemorates the 500 th anniversary of so many of the institutions we recognize within the Vatican today, said Kathy Oathout, executive director for Florida International Museum. “We are delighted that St. Petersburg will be the first stop for this special presentation.” Approximately 200 rare objects will be presented in contextual environments, such as the recreated tomb of Saint Peter. Items in the collection—which includes tiaras; mosaics; paintings; works by well-known sculptors; papal rings and jewels; intricately embroidered silk vestments; precious objects from the Papal Mass; armor, swords and vestments of the Papal Swiss Guard; and gifts to the popes from notables such as Napoleon and the Dalai Lama—are on loan from the Vatican Museums, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Reverenda Fabbrica of Saint Peter, the Apostolic Floreria, private collections and the Papal Swiss Guard. The exhibition also will feature actual objects relating to the election of Pope Benedict XVI, such as election ballots, patens and urns used in voting, a ceremonial vestment and an actual white smoke cartridge announcing the election. “Indeed, this exhibition is in itself significant, as it represents one of the largest collections of art and objects from the Vatican to tour North America ,” states Monsignor Roberto Zagnoli. “Many of these works have never before been outside Vatican City ." The exhibit coincides with the 40 th Anniversary of the Diocese of St. Petersburg, one of the co-sponsors of the exhibition. “We are proud to be a part of this truly historic event,” said Most Reverend Robert N. Lynch, Bishop of the Diocese of St. Petersburg. “We encourage all residents to see the papal objects and learn the history of church from a cultural viewpoint.” Highlights of the exhibition include a reliquary containing fragments of bones of Saint Peter and a gold Votive Plaque found in the area of the tomb, all displayed within a dramatic reproduction of the Tomb of St. Peter ; the Mandylion of Edessa , a third to fifth century image on linen considered one of the oldest known representations of Jesus present in Rome; a mosaic Bust of an Angel by the 14th century master, Giotto; personal items and tools of Michelangelo; an exquisite terra-cotta sculpture by Bernini; the Papal Tiara of Pope Pius VII , the symbol of the papacy, made of gold, precious stones, pearls, velvet and silk, and topped with an exquisite emerald; a Buddhist Thanka of embroidered cloth and pearls, given by the Dalai Lama to John Paul II; the Past or al Staff of Pope John Paul II ; and a special presentation of unif or ms, arm or and weapons from the legendary Papal Swiss Guard. A painting by renowned 17 th century painter Guercino will also be featured in the exhibition. “This exhibition is about art, history, culture and the Church's legacy over the last 2,000 years,” said Mark Greenberg, president, Evergreen Exhibitions. “The Vatican has had a profound impact on culture through the centuries by commissioning, collecting and preserving historical objects and art. ‘ Vatican Splendors' is a moving tribute to an exquisite assemblage of art and objects associated with the papacy and the historic institution of the Vatican .” Greenberg added that the exhibition is not solely about religion, but rather a collection of fine and decorative arts that explores the Vatican 's influence on world history. Tickets for "Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard" are on sale at the FIM Box Office 727-341-7912 or through Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.com). Special group pricing is available for groups of 15 or more by calling Cory Adler-Leidersdorff at 727-341-7918 or 1.877.2VATICAN (1-877-282-8422). FIM hours for “Vatican Splendors” will be Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday Noon – 6 p.m. ; last admission at 5 p.m. Adults $20, Seniors $17, Military $15, Children 6 – 12 $13, Toddlers 5 6 and under – free. More information about “Vatican Splendors” is available at www.vaticansplendors.com . For information about the Florida International Museum , visitors can call 727-341-7900 or go to www.floridamuseum.org . “Vatican Splendors” is organized and circulated in conjunction with the Governatorato of the Vatican City State . The exhibition is produced by Evergreen Exhibitions in association with the Florida International Museum . Objects in the exhibition are on loan from the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Vatican Museums , the Reverenda Fabbrica of Saint Peter, and the Apostolic Floreria . Additional objects are on loan by the Papal Swiss Guard and private collections. Florida International Museum is a non-profit educational institution supported, in part, by the Florida Arts Council, State of Florida , Division of Cultural Affairs, Institute of Museum & Library Services, City of St. Petersburg , and Pinellas County Cultural Arts. Major Other major sponsors for Vatican Splendors include Progress Energy, SunTrust, Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club, the St. Peters burg Times and and the Diocese of St. Petersburg . Other sponsors include The Mahaffey Company, The Sembler Company, Biltmore Construction , Bright House N etworks , Carlton Fields , Hearn Hoyt Wealth Management of Raymond James & Associates, Inc. , Terra Construction Group , Too Jay's Restaurant , Canerday, Belfsky & Arroyo , Visit St. Petersburg/ Clearwater, and CapTrust . .Evergreen Exhibitions is a world leader in providing high quality, state-of-the-art exhibitions in collaboration with more than 200 leading museums and research institutions in the United States and internationally.
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