Vatican Museums

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Vatican Museums outside

Room XII (17th century) of the Pinacoteca Vaticana

The Braschi Antinous

Museos Vaticanos, Ciudad del Vaticano, 2022-09-14, DD 39

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Vatican Museums are a group of art and Christian museums situated within the Vatican City. Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century, they display works from the immense collection amassed by the Roman Catholic Church and the Papacy over the centuries, including some of the most renowned Roman sculptures and most important masterpieces of Renaissance art in the world.

History

The Vatican Museums trace their origin to one marble sculpture, purchased in the 16th century. The sculpture of Laocoön and His Sons was discovered on 14 January 1506, in a vineyard near the basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome. Pope Julius II sent Giuliano da Sangallo and Michelangelo Buonarroti to examine the find. On their recommendation, the pope immediately purchased the sculpture from the vineyard owner, and it was placed in the garden of the Vatican where it stands today. This event marks the foundation of the Vatican Museums.

Over the centuries, the popes have commissioned various notable artists to decorate the Vatican; works by Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini are particularly prominent. The museums contain roughly 70,000 works, of which 20,000 are on public display, making them one of the largest museums in the world. They employ 640 people who work in 40 different administrative, scholarly, and restoration departments.

Collections

The Vatican Museums boast a vast collection of artworks and historical pieces from various epochs. The collections are organized into several departments including the Pio-Clementino Museum (devoted to Renaissance art and classical sculptures), the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, the Ethnological Museum, the Vatican Historical Museum, and the Raphael Rooms.

One of the most famous parts of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel, known for its architecture, evocative of Solomon's Temple, and its decoration which has been frescoed throughout by the greatest Renaissance artists including Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini, and Sandro Botticelli. Michelangelo's ceiling, and especially The Last Judgment, is perhaps the most recognized work in the museum.

Another notable part is the Raphael Rooms, a suite of four rooms that were the public part of the papal apartments. The rooms are famous for their frescoes, painted by Raphael and his workshop.

Visitation

The Vatican Museums are among the most visited museums in the world, with millions of visitors annually. They offer various tours, including a popular night tour. The museums are typically crowded, and long lines are common, especially during the tourist season. Visitors are advised to book tickets in advance.

Administration

The Vatican Museums are run by a Director-General, currently Barbara Jatta, the first woman to hold this position. The museums are part of the Vatican City, governed by the Holy See.

Challenges

The Vatican Museums face various challenges, including the preservation of the artworks, managing the large number of visitors, and the need for constant restoration work. The delicate nature of many of the artworks requires careful climate control and protection from light damage.

Conclusion

The Vatican Museums represent a treasure trove of art and history, encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Roman Catholic Church. They offer a unique glimpse into the past, showcasing the artistic achievements of humanity from classical antiquity through the Renaissance and beyond. As a repository of art and knowledge, they continue to educate and inspire visitors from around the world.