Our Mission

The Minnesota chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is an interfaith, non-for-profit organization concerned with the protection, restoration and preservation of human history as it is contained in the great repository of art and artifact in the collections of the Vatican museums.

Our 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 was founded in the early 1980’s to help support artistic conservation projects, donate equipment for restoration laboratories, and assist in the restructuring of the museums. For more than 25 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.

In the year 2000 a chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums was established in Minnesota. Three years later the Chapter was expanded to include North Dakota. Since that time, the MN/ND Chapter which has about 50 members has made several exclusive trips to the Vatican and to Rome; organized local educational, artistic and social events, and above all has been able to finance several restoration projects in the Vatican Museums.

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 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 City 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 artwork in the Vatican Museums. And finally, as a member you are an honored guest of the Vatican Museums. Not only is your admission complimentary, but you will also be accompanied by your own 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 the restoration laboratories, capital improvements, and acquisition of art. You can become a member online by using our chapter's payments page or 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 with the form to:

PAVM – Minnesota & North Dakota Chapter Office
4212 Lyndale Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55409

jvanparys@mary.org

Patrons' Memberships:

• $ 35 - Associate Membership (local events only, no Vatican access)
• $ 250 - Clergy Membership
• $ 250 - Junior Membership (35 years old & under)
• $ 500 - Junior Family Membership (2 adults 35 years old & under, all children under 18)
• $ 600 - Individual Membership (over 35 years old)
• $ 1,200 - Family Membership (2 adults over 35, all children under 18)