The Milwaukee Public Museum is currently hosting a special display entitled “Saint Peter and the Vatican: the Legacy of the Popes.” The special display is comprised of artifacts and artwork from the Vatican, and it is making three stops on a tour of North America. Milwaukee is the third and final stop, and the only Midwest location of the display.

It is, in a word, stunning. Anyone of the Christian faith, whether Roman Catholic or not, can learn something from this exhibit. I, for one, never knew that the Apostle Peter was crucified by Nero, by legend, in a location next to St. Peter’s Basilica. Nero had his “circus” (a race track and entertainment center) at that location/ The circus also featured an Egyptian obelisk that was later moved to the center of the St. Peter’s Square, where it still stands. St. Peter’s Basilica is the second one built at that location, and the altar is above Peter’s grave.

It is fascinating to see the artifacts of the various popes, up close and personal, the items that we have only seen in grainy photographs or films. Some of these artifacts have not been seen in centuries.

The display has been extended to May 29 but once it is gone, it is gone.

http://www.mpm.edu/exhibitions/special/vatican/index.php