Wonderful chance

By Tony Staley
Compass Editor

Catholics, art lovers, history buffs and the curious are advised to plan a trip to Milwaukee in the next three months. More than 300 objects from the Vatican Museums, including some that have never been exhibited, will be on display Feb. 4 through May 7 at the Milwaukee Public Museum.

The historic objects, documents and art trace 2,000 years of church leadership from St. Peter up to Pope Benedict XVI.

Milwaukee will be the last stop of a three-year North American tour for the exhibition, "St. Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes." Previous stops have included Houston, Fort Lauderdale, Cincinnati and San Diego.

The exhibition includes historical objects, ceremonial vestments and art, including works by Giotto, Canova and Bernini, and a reproduction of St. Peter's tomb.

Museum-goers will be able to see, for example, a 4th century seal with the images of Ss. Peter and Paul, the papal tiara of Pope Pius VII (1800-23) and one of the most popular pieces - a bronze cast of Pope John Paul II's hand, which visitors can touch.

The exhibition includes a 16th century chalice encrusted with pearls, rock crystal, silver gilt and enamel; the first known map of Australia; and a re-creation of the scaffolding Michelangelo used while painting the Sistine Chapel.

The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation is presenting the exhibition in collaboration with the Milwaukee Archdiocese. "The exhibition is sure to inspire and educate Catholics and non-Catholics alike," Abp. Timothy Dolan said. Relevant Radio is a media partner in promoting the exhibition.

Museum hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18.50 (ages 16-61), $17.50 (62 and older) and $11.50 (3-15); group discounts are available. Tickets are available by phoning 1-888-700-9069 or on-line at www.mpm.edu.

The exhibit is a wonderful opportunity to see these exquisite treasures close to home and in a less overwhelming setting than the vast Vatican Museums. It will definitely be worth the trip.