Vatican Splendors Exhibition at Museum of Art Closes, May 8

Since its opening on Jan. 29, 2011 at the Museum of Art I Fort Lauderdale – Nova Southeastern University, the major exhibition Vatican Splendors: A Journey through Faith and Art, presented by Holy Cross Hospital in association with PNC Bank and AutoNation, has attracted record-breaking numbers of visitors and critical acclaim. Due to its tremendous popularity and high attendance levels, Vatican Splendors has been granted special permission from the Vatican to extend its tour at the Museum to allow even more families and individuals to enjoy the exhibition. The final day the exhibition will be on view is now Mother’s Day, May 8 – two weeks after the original close date. After May 8, all of the precious objects must return to Italy.

The special exhibition extension permitted by the Vatican will also allow visitors to be in the presence of personal items of Pope John Paul II and objects representing his likeness after his Beatification on May 1, 2011.  Visitors will even be able to put their hand on the bronze cast of the Blessed Pope John Paul II’s hand.

Giotto di Bondone, circa 1304; Polychrome mosaic; The Reverenda Fabbrica of Saint Peter, Vatican City State

Vatican Splendors illustrates the evolution of the Catholic Church and its papacy beginning with Saint Peter, with special emphasis on art and historical objects reflecting significant events and periods relating to Christianity. The exhibition includes more than 200 objects, many of which have never been on public view. It features spectacular paintings by artists such as Giotto and Il Guercino, sculpture by Baroque master Gian Lorenzo Bernini, and unique objects including paintings, mosaics, sculpture, jewels, intricately embroidered silk vestments, uniforms of the Papal Swiss Guard, and elaborately decorated gold and silver reliquary containing bone fragments of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. A highlight of the exhibition is a small stone Pietà, a relief carved by Michelangelo late in his career, which is accompanied by documents and personal objects belonging to the Renaissance master.

The objects are presented in the Museum’s galleries and in specially-created environments that enhance the visitor’s understanding of both the historical and artistic significance of each work. Descriptive labels throughout the exhibition are bilingual in both English and Spanish, as is an audio tour, which is available for an additional fee.

The website for Vatican Splendors, www.vaticansplendors.com, offers a direct link to ticket purchase, as well as complete information about the exhibition, photographs of objects, downloadable educator guides for schools, gallery layouts, descriptions for the media and information about the lenders.

Single Vatican Splendors tickets, which include general admission to the Museum, are priced at $20 for adults, $17 for seniors, and $13 for children. Single tickets for Vatican Splendors can be purchased at www.vaticansplendors.com, at the Museum Box Office, at www.tickmaster.com, or by phone at 1-877-2VATICAN (1-877-282-8422).

Group tickets (for groups of 15 or more) are NOW available for $17 per adult group ticket and $8 for a student who is part of a school group. To arrange a group tour, email moagroupsales@moafl.org or call (954) 262-0202.

Museum members may purchase anytime tickets at the special rate of $15 for adults and $11 for children ages 6 through 12. Members at the Reciprocal ($150) level and above receive two free anytime admissions to the exhibition. For Museum membership information, call Membership Development Associate Shelley Edwards at 954-262-0221.