Sphere Within Sphere, Bronze sculpture series in Vatican Museums, Vatican City.
Sphere Within Sphere is a group of bronze sculptures made of a fractured outer shell with a smaller, detailed sphere nested inside. The inner form displays gear-like structures and geometric patterns that resemble mechanical components.
Arnaldo Pomodoro created this work in the 1960s for the Courtyard of the Pinecone within the museum grounds. The artist subsequently produced smaller bronze versions for several locations across Europe and beyond.
The inner sphere suggests ideas of revelation and openness that visitors may recognize from religious contexts. The fractured outer shell conveys vulnerability and the constant process of transformation.
The bronze work stands in the Courtyard of the Pinecone, an outdoor section within the museum grounds and therefore easily accessible. A low platform supports the weight and allows slow rotation with minimal friction.
The sculpture can rotate slowly, allowing visitors to view the mechanical details from different angles as they move around it. This gentle motion means each visit offers a slightly different perspective on the intricate inner patterns.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
