by Diane Siskin
posted April 12, 2008
) Vatican exhibit is in St. Petersburg, Fla. |
But the St. Petersburg I am referring to closer to Chattanooga and located on the west coast of Florida. Until May 11, the Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg is the first host, and one of only three, to show a large collection of art, documents and historically significant objects from Rome’s Vatican.
The art exhibit 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.
The show containing approximately 200 rare objects is presented in contextual environments, such as the recreated tomb of Saint Peter.
Highlights of that environment include; a gold Votive Plaque found in the area of the tomb, personal items and tools of Michelangelo and 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.
According to Mark Greenberg, president of Evergreen Exhibitions, “This exhibition is about art, history, culture and the Church’s legacy over the last 2,000 years.
“The Vatican has had a profound impact on culture through the centuries by commissioning, collecting and preserving historical objects and art,’’ continued Mr. Greenberg.
“Therefore this show is not solely about religion, but rather a collection of fine and decorative arts that explore the Vatican’s influence on world history.’’
And while unforeseen circumstances prevented this writer from attending the show, thousands of others have viewed this traveling exhibition since it opened and have been thrilled with it.
Having been to St. Peter’s in Rome in recent years I can attest to the glory and splendor of what is inside the Vatican Museums.
The trip to this exhibit at Florida’s International Museum is so much easier and less expensive. It could easily be combined with a spring trip to Central Florida, Disney and other well-known theme parks, or to nearby beaches and bays.
The city also boasts another well-respected museum, the Salvador Dali, which features the work of the well-known artist, who was a Roman Catholic and often created artistic items reflecting religious themes.
Through June 1, the Dali Museum hosts a special traveling exhibit, “Dali & Film,’’ which gives visitors an insight into the artist who specialized in surrealist art. The Tate Modern organized this exhibit in London.
For more information:
Online- www.vaticansplendors.com
For more info on Florida International Museum,
www.floridamuseum.org or call (727) 341-7900. This museum is a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate.
Tickets for the exhibit are on sale at the FIM Box Office (727) 341-7912 or through Ticket master, www.ticketmaster.com
Reservations for timed tickets are recommended.
Prices: Adults $20, seniors $17, Military $15, children 6-12 $13, five and under –free.
Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday Noon- 6 p.m.
Address: 244 Second Avenue. N in St. Petersburg
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Salvador Dali Museum is located at 1000 Third St. S, St. Petersburg.
For more info: www.salvadordalimuseum.org
Its opening hours are Mondays-Wednesdays 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Thursdays - 9:30 a.m. 6:30 p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays- 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sundays- noon-5: 30 p.m.
Admission:
Adults-$15; ages 65 or older, military and police are $13.50, ages 10 and older $10, ages 5-9 $4 and 4 and younger are free.
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