The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” -- St. Augustine

Friday, December 7, 2012

Saint Louis Art Museum - St. Louis, Missouri

(Photo provided/ Saint Louis Art Museum)
Destination: To see an exhibit of religious art by Federico Barocci (ca. 1533–1612), you might want to take a short trip on “Route 66” to see the St. Louis Art Museum. Barocci was a devout Catholic from Urbino in northeastern Italy, also the birthplace of the painter Raphael.
Mass options are many in the area. Check www.masstimes.org to find a church near your motel or hotel.
Why to go: “Our exhibition has the largest collection of Barocci drawings and paintings ever brought together in the Western Hemisphere,” says Matthew Hathaway of the museum staff. “Virtually the entire exhibition is religious art, with much of it coming from the Vatican and from churches in and around Barocci’s home town of Urbino.
“The artist is regarded as revolutionary in his treatment of many standard, religious scenes. And art historians — including our European art curator, Barocci expert Dr. Judith Mann — consider him to be the archetypical counter-reformation artist,” Hathaway adds.
Access: Handicapped-accessible parking is available in the public lots near the main entrance to the museum.
Admission: The museum is free. The museum will be closed on Christmas, but open New Year’s Day.
(Grand) Kid friendly:  Absolutely; the museum hosts family tours every Sunday.
Info: Address: Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Dr., St. Louis, MO 63110. Phone: 314/655-5493.  Web: www.slam.org
- Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld
Send your Catholic destinations ideas to seasonedobserver@rockforddiocese.org

Editor's note: This exhibit closed in 2013. Check the museum website to see if other religious exhibits are planned.We have removed ticket prices and information about the exhibit.