Michelangelo exhibit traces life of St. Peter's Basilica

Published: 2005-02-09

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A new exhibit at the Pope John Paul II Cultural Center in Washington touches the very roots of the church, and the artists and architects whose work is on display are on the historical and artistic "A" list. "Creating St. Peter's: Architectural Treasures of the Vatican," on exhibit through May 31, features Michelangelo's original model of the dome of St. Peter's Basilica. The 140-plus artifacts and original architectural drawings in the show include works by Renaissance masters such as Michelangelo, Bramante, Raffaello, Bernini and Fontana. The 16-foot-tall, 13-foot-wide wooden study model of St. Peter's dome was built for Michelangelo in 1560, and it shows the inner and outer domes and how they function together. Tools used to build the basilica are also showcased, including a wooden winch like ones used to put the obelisk in place outside the basilica. The 98-foot tall, 331-ton Egyptian obelisk in the middle of the square is supposed to mark the spot where St. Peter was crucified; inside St. Peter's the main altar covers the spot where he is said to be buried. Cardinal Adam J. Maida of Detroit, who conceived and developed the cultural center, said the exhibition offers the American public "one of the great architectural wonders. We're looking at some of (Michelangelo's) original work and how he conceived and created one of the great churches of the world."

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