Exhibitions Service
Through its Exhibitions Service, the Vatican Library allows its collections of manuscripts, printed books, prints, coins and medals to be used for cultural
projects which intend to promote the diffusion of knowledge. Ecclesiastical property belongs specifically to the Christian community; however, due to the universal nature of the Christian message, one can say that it
also belongs to all of humanity. To promote wider knowledge of its inestimable treasures of wisdom and beauty, the Library grants a limited number of loans from its collections to the world's major museums
for temporary exhibition. Such loans are granted only for projects which have a scientific purpose, or for major exhibitions of a cultural or religious nature. Human culture, or rather human cultures constitute an
open field for evangelization, and form a context in which the Library gladly makes its voice heard to the men and women of our time.
The Prefect of the Library, supported by the relevant Committee and in accordance with the Regulations which have been approved by the Secretariat of State, makes a
careful choice among the many requests for loans which are received every year. He also takes into account the fact that the main tasks of the Library are to preserve and transmit to posterity its precious collections,
and to make them available in the Library itself for scholars from around the world to consult and study.
2024 EXHIBITIONS
Loaned work: Vat.lat.4992
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.lat.4922
This brief yet significant exhibition, conceived in synergy with the Vatican Museums, celebrates the donation of the "Tablecloth of Forgiveness" to the Holy Father by the Reggio Ricama Association. The tablecloth symbolizes the forgiveness granted by Gregory VII to Henry IV at Canossa in January 1077. Its title is an invitation for humanity, finally reconciled, to sit together around a single fraternal table. The precious tablecloth is made using Matildic embroidery (ars canusina), a needle-painting technique typical of Reggio Emilia. It was invented in 1932 by Maria Bertolani del Rio as a therapeutic application at the psychiatric institute of Reggio Emilia. The decorative motifs are derived from the Vita Mathildis (1115–1116), a manuscript now preserved at the Vatican Library, produced in Reggio Emilia and displayed for the occasion.
Loaned works:
Reg.lat.2048, f.129v
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Reg.lat.2048
Arch.Cap.S.Pietro, B,87
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Arch.Cap.S.Pietro.B.87
This exhibition explores the compelling interplay between Byzantine influences and modern expressive trends on the cusp of transformative innovations by Cimabue and Giotto at the end of the century. It focuses on the Master of St. Francis, aiming to contextualize and understand the roots of this extraordinary artist. Most of the artist's works, scattered across museums worldwide, are displayed, including a climatized reconstruction of the surviving section of the opistographic altarpiece from the altar of St. Francis al Prato.
<Loaned works:16 medals dedicated to the Pontificate of Paul VI.
The exhibition, organized by the Diocesan Museum of Brescia, is entirely dedicated to Pope St. Paul VI. It aims to celebrate the Brescian pontiff, who was deeply appreciative of artistic creations, by showcasing a variety of works produced by numerous contemporary artists
https://museodiocesano.brescia.it/mostre-ed-eventi/artisti-per-il-pontificato-di-san-paolo-vi/
Loaned works:
Facs.Vat.lat.3868;
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.lat.3868
Ott.lat.2005
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Ott.lat.2005
The vital force of theatrical performances, their popularity, and the sometimes challenging lives of the actors and other major protagonists of the "ludi" in Rome are all brought to life in this exhibition. It aims to consciously go "beyond" the stage, offering a "dramatic" approach in a philological sense: a vivid reconstruction in which the protagonists of ancient performances—through specially created multimedia interventions—engage the audience by narrating not only the stories they told and interpreted but also their roles as actors in a society both so similar to and yet so different from our own.The journey seeks to immerse visitors in the atmosphere experienced in the grandstands of Rome's great theaters, which reflected—segregated by social classes—the social and gender hierarchies of Republican and Imperial Rome. The narrative begins with the Greek, Sicilian, Magna Graecian, Etruscan, and Italic roots of Roman theater, its religious origins in the "ludus," and its early wooden stages, leading to the splendor of the frons scenae of the great theaters designed for tens of thousands of spectators. These architectural marvels, akin to forums or temples, became defining features of the forma urbis of the empire.This journey spans centuries—focusing particularly on the Augustan age—and emphasizes direct audience engagement as its strengt
Loaned works:
Vat.lat.3211, f.XXIIIr e f.XLv.-XXXIXr
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.lat.3211
Vat.lat.11539.
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.lat.11539
The exhibition explores the last three decades of Michelangelo's life, analyzing the projects he worked on during this period, as he faced the challenges of aging. Michelangelo is presented to visitors as a human being, with an emphasis on his relationships with friends, assistants, and family, while also acknowledging his profound and enduring faith.The first section delves into Michelangelo's work immediately after his return to Rome in 1534, focusing (through preparatory drawings) on his late masterpiece, The Last Judgment, on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel. The second section examines his relationship with the poet Vittoria Colonna. The third section begins with his powerful late proposals for the Pauline Chapel and then considers a wide range of compositions that were translated into paintings by carefully selected colleagues and assistants. This section highlights the recently restored Epiphany cartoon from the British Museum, displayed alongside preparatory drawings of various subjects and related paintings by artists such as Daniele da Volterra, Ascanio Condivi, and Marcello Venusti.The exhibition culminates with Michelangelo’s deeply personal late drawings of the crucifixion, in which he explored various moving and poignant interpretations of the them.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSIAde47pXQ
Loaned works:
Vat.lat.1960;
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.lat.1960
Borg.cart.naut.V.
Before the discovery of the New World, Geography was closely intertwined with History. The first maps appeared in literary and chronicle works to illustrate the locations where the narrated events took place. For this reason, such representations were often accompanied by dense figures and captions, forming an inseparable framework of the depiction of lands and seas. Following the Ptolemaic tradition, from Classical Antiquity to the Middle Ages, these representations became increasingly precise and accurate, culminating in the cartographic masterpiece of this period: Fra Mauro's Map (1460).
The exhibition brings together, for the first time, true treasures of cartography, never before displayed side by side, in a genuine journey through the Ancient World. It is organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture–Marciana National Library in Venice and the Ministry of Culture of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The event is spread across two venues: the Abbey of San Gregorio (curated by the Saudi Ministry) and the Sale dei Ridotti dei Procuratori at the Marciana National Library. The exhibition is part of the Celebrations for the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death.
Loaned works:
Facs. Borg.mess.1
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Borg.mess.1
Mt.Rom.Imp.Augustus.4, Mt.Gr.Nummi.
Alexandrini.790.
https://www.instagram.com/lacma/reel/DBM239ihzUb/
The scientific framework of this ambitious exhibition aims to explore the history of diverse cosmologies from around the world, spanning from the Neolithic period to the present day. It examines how these cosmologies have evolved over the centuries across various cultures and regions, culminating in an exploration of contemporary approaches to the study of cosmology.
Loaned works:
Facs.Vat.lat.3868
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.lat.3868
Pal.lat.909
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Pal.lat.909
A hallmark of the major exhibitions at the Diocesan Museum of Paderborn is their ability to initiate new research starting from a regional focal point and, through this research, expand the perspective to encompass a broader European view. This approach will also be applied to the exhibition, Corvey and the Legacy of Antiquity.Beginning with the heritage of the Carolingian Abbey of Corvey—which, since the 9th century, became one of the most significant intellectual hubs in the easternmost region of the Carolingian Empire and home to a notable scriptorium, and whose designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site will mark its 10th anniversary in 2024—the exhibition addresses the transmission of knowledge and classical culture to territories north of the Alps during the Carolingian era and the centuries that followed.
https://dioezesanmuseum-paderborn.de/corvey-und-das-erbe-der-antike/
Loaned works:
Ashby.Disegni.147
The exhibition project is entirely dedicated to Guercino’s activity in Rome and aims to reconstruct the aesthetic atmosphere that marked the arrival of the Ludovisi family in the city. This period saw the entrance and resounding success of Guercino, who played a pivotal role in introducing a new vibrancy to painting.
For the first time, the Ludovisi collection is reassembled in its dynamic interplay of ancient elements and nature, sculpture and painting, highlighting the dialogue between these art forms and the influences this interaction generated in Rome during the 1620s.
https://www.vaticannews.va/it/mondo/news/2024-11/mostra-scuderie-del-quirinale-arte-roma-guercino-era-ludovisi.html
Loaned works:
Ott.lat.2207
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Ott.lat.2207
This exhibition, organized as part of the celebrations for the centenary of Marco Polo, aims to highlight the exchange of heritage between East and West made possible by Marco Polo’s journeys and The Travels of Marco Polo. The exhibition will cover all sections and themes addressed in the related conference, with detailed maps of Marco Polo’s travels, images of the cities and places described in The Travels, as well as illuminated manuscripts. Featured items include codices and incunabula of great textual and iconographic significance. Additionally, film clips and documentaries will form the backbone of the multimedia section
Loaned works:
Stamp.Ross.6505; Stamp.Ross.6825; Stamp.Cappon.II.93. Stamp.Cappon.II.94.
Marking the 450th anniversary of Vasari’s death, this exhibition showcases the artist’s brilliance. It provides visitors with the interpretive tools necessary to understand the cryptic language of symbols and allegories—a hallmark of humanist culture, often expressed through erudite and mysterious conceptualism. Giorgio Vasari was undoubtedly the foremost figure of this phenomenon, so much so that his artistic workshop has been described as "the factory of allegory."
https://fondazionecrfirenze.it/la-grande-mostra-internazionele-vasari-il-teatro-delle-virtu-ad-arezzo/
Loaned works:
Chig.I.VII.262
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Chig.I.VII.262
Vat.lat.5256
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.lat.5256
Vat.sir.653
https://digi.vatlib.it/view/MSS_Vat.sir.653
Chig.M.VI.140;
This exceptional exhibition seeks to illustrate the cosmopolitan atmosphere of China in the 13th and 14th centuries. During this period, China served as a hub of diverse cultures and knowledge exchange. Western writers like Marco Polo found direct inspiration and cultural enrichment, recognizing the magnificence of Chinese civilization. The exhibition follows the narrative of Marco Polo's The Travels, focusing on its most significant passages. Visitors are invited to embark on a journey across the known world, from the Yuan Dynasty’s capital, Dadu—Marco Polo's Khanbaligh (City of the Khan)—to Venice, Europe’s most cosmopolitan city of the 13th and 14th centuries, passing through Quanzhou, China’s international trading hub from the 10th to 14th centuries.
https://iicshanghai.esteri.it/it/gli_eventi/calendario/mostra-wonders-of-the-world-china-and-beyond-in-the-eyes-of-marco-polo/
REGULATIONS
The Exhibitions Service deals with all the steps involved in the process of planning, organizing and administering loans of works belonging to the Vatican Library. The Regulations which are currently in force require the borrower to send a request, including a description of the exhibition project, to the Secretariat of State (His Eminence Card. Pietro Parolin) and to the Prefect of the Library (Don Mauro Mantovani S.D.B.) at least 12 months before the inauguration of the exhibit. The total length of the loan may not exceed 4 months. The Exhibitions Committee, presided by the Prefect and made up of the heads of the relevant offices, meets four times each year to evaluate and approve the received requests. It gives special consideration to projects whose themes coincide with the interests of the Library, which has a long tradition of promoting cultural events of great artistic or religious value.
The Library participates in no more than 12 projects each year, and only loans a very limited number of objects for each one. In addition, a period of three years must pass before a given object may be loaned again. In addition to these criteria, the Library always reserves the right to refuse a request due to the exceptional age, rarity, value or frailty of an object, or to preserve it from the risks and strains involved in repeated transportation and exposition. The Regulations for Exhibition Loans clearly explain the terms and requirements under which the Vatican Library loans its objects; it should be read carefully by the borrower, signed, dated and stamped by the person responsible for the institution which is to host the exhibition, and returned to the Vatican Library. The management of loans requires a series of procedures and operations which follow a precise timeline; and all the required documents must be prepared in advance (description of the object, photographs, loan contract, insurance policy). All data regarding the subjects and the initiatives for the year are entered into a computer program which allows the Library to constantly monitor the activities of the Exhibitions Service, together with the progress and the deadlines of the procedures. These data are interfaced with those which concern each single work on loan, so that all the elements which are needed to reconstruct the history of the works, of their restorations and of their movements are always available.
The Exhibitions Service works in close collaboration with the curators of each exhibition, with the goal of coordinating the many operative aspects and the preparation of the necessary procedures and documents.
Special attention is paid to security measures and to the environmental conditions required to guarantee the safeguard of the objects on loan. The organizers of the exhibition must take out a
special insurance policy known as "nail to nail", with the Library as beneficiary, against "all risks", and is responsible for any damage done to the works during their absence from the Library.
The Exhibitions Service also aims to ensure that all necessary precautions are taken at both ends during the operations of delivery, packing, unpacking, inspection and setup of the exhibit,
in order to maintain the state of conservation of the works even as they pass through "critical" environments, different from their normal conservation environment, during transport and during the time they
spend in the host institution. In order to guarantee the application of all the conditions stipulated in the Regulations for Exhibition Loans, loaned works are always accompanied by a courier who is
a staff member of the Library and who assists in unpacking, verifies the state of conservation of the works on loan and ensures that they are displayed in an appropriate manner in the host institution.
PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONS
THE MOST SIGNIFICATIVE PREVIOUS EXHIBITIONSCONTACT DETAILS
- PERSON IN CHARGE Dr. Maria Adalgisa Ottaviani: contact by email
- Telephone: +39/06698.79532
- Fax: +39/06698.79505
- OFFICE: contact by email
