Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums

The 30th Anniversary of the Patrons will be celebrated Oct. 15th-21st in Rome

Come join us for this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Click here for further details or to make reservations.

Dear Patrons:

Thank you, as always, for your tremendous support of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums. Your dedication to your Chapter are a blessing for the Holy Father and are of critical importance to the continued vitality of our beloved Vatican Museums. Together with his Eminence Cardinal Bertello, President of the Governorate of the Vatican City State, and my colleagues in the Patron's office, we would like to recognize your generosity by extending to you an invitation to join us for the Patrons 30th Anniversary Gala Events in Rome this October.

I enclose a brochure highlighting the current plans which our office has been busy organizing with the Museums, the Pontifical Household and the Governor’s office. I personally had the blessing of greeting our new Holy Father, Pope Francis, last week and communicated to his Holiness that we are looking forward to celebrating the 30th anniversary events together with him and Cardinal Bertello this Fall. The Holy Father extended his greetings and blessings on each of you for your generosity and work as custodians of the treasures of the Vatican Museums.

In order to assure the orderly organization and proper staffing of this event, we are requiring that all registrants purchase one of the full packages outlined in the brochure. The planning committee has agreed, based on previous events, that this will ensure the efficient coordination and most enjoyable execution of all these special events. Additionally, the costs associated with producing the anniversary events are spread over the participants using the listed packages.

There will be limited subscription due to the physical constraints of many of our gala event venues and so I encourage you to register soon to ensure your participation. I look forward to welcoming you to Rome and, again, thank you for your support of the Patrons and this 30th Anniversary Gala Event.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

The Vatican Museums and International Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts

invite you to join us for a

Tour and Private Cocktail on June 22, 2013 at 6pm

Proceeds go towards the development of the

Tour for the Hearing Impaired Art with a Different Tune

WISHBOOK 2013 | Letter from the International Director:

Dear Patrons and Friends,

I would like to begin the introduction to this year’s Wishbook by thanking
you, the Patrons of the Vatican Museums, not only for your generosity but also for your friendship, hospitality and confidence in our mission.

I have had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with so many of you on both sides of the ocean, and it has become clear that - like many things in life - we are called. Preserving the world’s sacred art treasures is an important task and God invites sensitive souls who understand its paramount significance. It is a special vocation granted to very extraordinary people. What a privilege we have been given to help preserve that inspiration and creation that was so uniquely received from God and achieved by each artist.

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The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is a select group of people dedicated to the preservation and perpetuation of the vast and unique collection of art contained in the Vatican Museums. The Patrons have been in existence since 1982 when a major exhibition of Vatican art toured the United States in New York, Chicago and San Francisco. Restoration of the art contained in the exhibition was made possible by donors recognizing the unique opportunity to participate in the work of the Vatican Museums. One year later, the Patrons organization was officially launched. Patrons worldwide have accepted the same membership in this exclusive work of art history.

Although the Vatican Museums host over 15,000 visitors each day, the sale of tickets only provides for the daily operation of the museums. The museums are not subsidized by the Holy See and must be self-sufficient which means that the work of restoration and conservation must be supported by Patrons dedicated to the unique spiritual and cultural mission of the Vatican Museums and Pontifical Galleries. While often unseen the conservation of the irreplaceable art collections is an invitation to be personally involved in one of the worlds greatest treasures of art and culture.

Patrons are invited to donate $500.00 annually per person for membership, $1,000.00 for family membership, or $250.00 for junior membership (35 years of age and under). These membership fees are used for restoration work, conservation projects, equipment for the restoration laboratories, capital improvements and acquisition of art. Patrons come from all over the world, representing various religious backgrounds, and bring different experiences to the Patrons Chapters throughout North America and Europe. The Chapters meet regularly, sponsor dinners and social events to plan and raise money for restorations and travel to the Vatican Museums to see the results of their efforts. Patrons receive a Vatican Museums Report from the International Director at the Vatican and notification of special events prepared specifically for Patrons.

When Patrons visit the Vatican, they are received in the Office of the Patrons of the Arts in the Apostolic Palace. They are provided a complimentary tour of the Vatican Museums with a private guide and are encouraged to visit the restoration laboratories and sections of the museums not open to the public. Patrons are invited to Vatican ceremonies when important restorations are unveiled and share in the legacy and heritage of the art of the Vatican Museums.

If you are living in the United States or Canada and you would like more information on becoming a Patron of the Arts, please click here to contact our North American National Office.

You can also see the Patrons Chapter nearest you and write them directly (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 a packet containing more detailed information.