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Destination: Planning to head to the World Meeting of Families in Philadelphia in September? Make time to see works of art and rare artifacts from the Vatican while you are there. Philadelphia is the only announced destination for the exhibit, which will be on a two-city North American tour. While there are no Masses at the Franklin Institute, check www.worldmeeting2015.org/plan-your-visit/places-worship to find some.
Why to go: More than 200 works of art, 40 percent of which have never been shown publicly anywhere, are part of the “Vatican Splendors” exhibit opening Sept. 19 at Philadelphia’s Franklin Institute. (If you don’t go right away, you’ll have time to visit the exhibit later. it’s running through Feb. 15, 2016, in Philly.)The nearly 10,000-square-foot exhibit, organized into 11 galleries, will consist of significant objects collected by Vatican Museums over the span of 2,000 years.
It includes objects from the ancient St. Peter’s Basilica and tools used in the construction of the 16th-century basilica and the Sistine Chapel; artwork by Michelangelo; historical maps, signed documents and a bas-relief sculpture; works by Baroque masters such as Bernini and Guercino; intricately embroidered silk liturgical vestments; uniforms of the papal Swiss Guard; artwork that dates to the first century; and bone fragments of SS. Peter and Paul as well as relics discovered at their tombs.
The photo shows a statue of St. Paul from the Vatican collection.
Hours: There will be daytime, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and evening, 5-9 p.m., exhibit hours with different non-member ticket prices for each session. Group rates are also available. Onsite parking is limited. Check the website for details.
(Grand) Kid friendly: Absolutely.
Info: Address — The Franklin Institute, 222 N. 20th St. Philadelphia, PA 19103 Phone — 215/448-1200 Web — https://www.fi.edu/exhibit/vatican-splendors
— Compiled by Sharon Boehlefeld; CNS contributed to this story
Send Destination ideas to SeasonedObserver@rockforddiocese.org
Send Destination ideas to SeasonedObserver@rockforddiocese.org