The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums
is a group of people dedicated to preserving the vast and
unique collection of art housed in the Vatican Museums.
The Patrons have been in existence since 1983 when a major
exhibition from the Vatican went to the United States -
New York, Chicago and San Francisco. At that time some interested
people began to help us with the restoration of works that
left the Vatican for that exhibition. Since then the number
of patrons has continued to grow.
Although some 15,000 visitors tour the Vatican museums,
each day ticket sales cover only day-to-day costs. The museums
are not supported directly by the Holy See. They stand on
their own and that often means there is little money for
even restoration or modernization. It is often this unseen
and unnoticed work however which must continue if the unique
spiritual and cultural mission of the Vatican Museums is
to flourish. It is here that the support of the Patrons
is essential to the future of the Vatican Museums and Pontifical
Galleries. Being a Patron is an invitation to care for one
of the world's greatest artistic and cultural collections.
Patrons donate a minimum of $500.00 a year per person for
a regular membership, $1,000 a year for a family membership,
or $250 per person for a junior membership (35 and under)
which is used to fund conservation projects, purchase equipment
for the museums' restoration laboratories, help with capital
improvements and occasionally to assist in the acquisition
of art works. Patrons come from all religious backgrounds
and are grouped into chapters throughout North America and
Europe. They meet regularly, sponsor dinners and social
events and travel to the Vatican to see first-hand the results
of their efforts. They also receive a Patron's newsletter
and notification of other special events designed specifically
for Patrons and their families.
During their visit to the Vatican, patrons are received
in the office of the Patrons of the Arts located in the
Apostolic Palace. Patrons and their immediate families receive
free admission to the Vatican Museums along with a private
guide. They are also able to visit sections of the museums
not open to the public and are invited to special events
in the Vatican when important restorations are unveiled,
such as the Sistine Chapel.
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