Collection of Modern Religious Art, Vatican Museums

The collection presents over 500 artworks across 55 rooms including paintings, sculptures, and graphic pieces from international contemporary artists displaying religious themes.

Pope Paul VI established this collection in 1973 to strengthen connections between the Catholic Church and contemporary art movements through spiritual expressions.

Works from masters like Van Gogh, Picasso, Dali, and Matisse demonstrate various artistic movements including surrealism, cubism, post-impressionism, and expressionism interpreting religious subjects.

Visitors access the collection through the Vatican Museums entrance, with guided tours available to understand the artistic and theological meanings behind each piece.

The Borgia Apartment section contains Henri Matisse's room featuring Catholic liturgical vestments called chasubles, donated by his son Pierre in 2011.

Location: Vatican City

Inception: June 23, 1973

Official opening: 1973

Part of: Vatican Museums

Website: https://museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/it/collezioni/musei/collezione-d_arte-contemporanea.html

GPS coordinates: 41.90333,12.45500

Latest update: March 5, 2025 08:02