As a member of the Patrons of the Arts, you are an honored guest of the Vatican Museums. Not only is your admission gratuitous, but you will also be accompanied by your own English-speaking guide who will deepen and enrich your visit. Patrons are also invited to tour sections closed to other visitors, including the restoration laboratories, to see firsthand the conservation efforts that they have made possible. You will also receive a complimentary copy of our Vatican Museums Report, our bi-annual publication, as well as a membership scroll signed by the President of the Vatican City State. Most importantly, you will experience the enduring satisfaction that comes from helping others enjoy the world’s greatest collection of art.

We have about 1,400 current members from all over the US and Canada as well as other parts of the world. Some of the most important projects that our patrons have sponsored are the restoration of the fifteenth century frescoes (by Perugino, Botticelli, Rosselli and many others) located in the Sistine Chapel; the entire Stanza della Segnatura, including Raphael’s School of Athens and the Casina of Pius IV, designed by Michelangelo’s student Pirro Ligorio. Patrons have also assisted with purchasing essential equipment for the Scientific Restoration Laboratory as well as funding the production of several scholarly publications.

If you are living in the United States or Canada and you would like more information on becoming a Patron of the Arts, please contact the North American National Office or the Patrons Chapter nearest you (see Patrons Chapter). If you are living in any other part of the world, please contact the Vatican Office. We would be happy to provide you with an information packet with more detailed information.