Vatican treasures touring the U.S.
The Vatican Museums in Rome attract 4 million visitors a year. About 3.9 million spend so much time waiting in line, that once they get in, they take one of the color-coded routes to the Sistine Chapel and call 'er done. Which is a shame, because the Museums' Greek, Roman, Egyptian, Etruscan, and Renaissance collections are among the finest in the world.This summer, you can see 2,000 years of Vatican art and history without even crossing the pond. Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Swiss Guard showcases more than 200 works of art, artifacts, and mosaics -- many of which are rarely on display.
Elaborate exhibits recreate different parts of the Vatican. In one room, visitors experience Michelangelo's view of the Sistine Chapel ceiling from the scaffolding. In another, scenes from the life of St. Peter are depicted in mosaics by Giotto, paintings, and statuary.
The show is at Florida International Museum in St. Petersburg until May 11, 2008. From there, it goes to Cleveland, and then St. Paul. For details or tickets, visit http://www.vaticansplendors.com
