Chapter History

The works displayed in the Vatican Museums cover more than four thousand years of civilization. One can begin with the Egyptians and continue with the Romans and the Renaissance, arriving at contemporary art. Within the museums which occupy much of the Vatican Palace, one can encounter one of the greatest concentrations of masterpieces in the world.

In 1506 Pope Julius II, pursuing the ideals of the Renaissance, began to display his collection of ancient works of art, such as the Laocoön and the Apollo of the Belvedere. He invited artists of the time to view them in what was called the Little courtyard of the Belvedere – what we now know as the Octagonal Courtyard. The collections were increased over the centuries, many of which were gifts presented to the Popes and invaluable items related to the work of the Church. Some of the works, such as those found in the Sistine Chapel and the Rafael Rooms were created for a specific purpose or monument.

The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, and the New York Chapter, were founded in the early 1980s to help support artistic conservation projects, donate equipment for restoration laboratories, and assist in restructuring the museums. For more than 30 years Patrons from throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe have shown their support and concern through the conservation of the Vatican patrimony of art which stands as the most unique collection in the world.

Chapter Mission

The Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is a 501c(3) group that is committed to the restoration, preservation, and increase in the artistic patrimony of the collections and buildings of the Vatican Museums while furthering the understanding and knowledge of its members of these works of art through lectures, meetings, and visits to the Vatican.

Become a Member

Members of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums contribute annually to the support and preservation of artwork in the Vatican Museums in the Vatican City and Rome. Members receive a complimentary copy of the Vatican Museums Report, a bi-annual publication, as well as a membership scroll signed by the President of the Vatican State. As a member, you will also be invited to the many social and educational events throughout the year sponsored by our local chapter, including trips to Rome to view the artwork in the Vatican Museums. As a member, you are an honored guest of the Vatican Museums. Not only is your admission complimentary, but you will be accompanied by your own private English-speaking guide who will deepen and enrich your visit. Membership also entitles you to tour sections closed to other visitors, such as restoration laboratories, to see firsthand how your conservation efforts have made a difference.

The annual membership fee is a tax-deductible donation used for restoration work, conservation projects, equipment for restoration laboratories, capital improvements, and art acquisition. You can become a member by check or money order using the Membership Form.

Please make your check payable to Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums and return it with the form to:

PAVM – Georgia Chapter
Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums North American Services Office
835 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 606011

patronsnorthamericancenter@gmail.com

For any other information please contact:

Neil and Carolyn Johnson
Co-Chairs
Patrons of the Arts – Georgia Chapter
4933 Carol Lane NW
Atlanta, Georgia 30327

carolyn.johnson@canonburyhomes.com

 

Georgia Patrons' Memberships:

• $ 250 - Clergy Membership
• $ 250 - Junior Membership (35 years old & under)
• $ 600 - Individual Membership
• $ 1,200 - Couple/Family Membership (2 adults, all children under 18)