The Vatican Apostolic Library Celebrates the Transformative Power of Travel in “En Route” Exhibition
The Vatican Apostolic Library is proud to present “En Route”, an innovative exhibition that explores the theme of world travel within the context of the Jubilee Year. This unique showcase features a diverse collection of historical documents, contemporary art pieces, and thought-provoking reflections on the profound impact of journeys, both inward and outward.
By Amedeo Lomonaco and Linda Bordoni
Archbishop Angelo Vincenzo Zani, the esteemed Archivist and Librarian of the Holy Roman Church, emphasized that “En Route” embodies the essence of pilgrimage during the Jubilee Year. In a recent media briefing, he eloquently described how faith and travel are interconnected quests that inspire exploration and discovery. As Archbishop Zani aptly stated, “Hope is not about standing still; it is a journey forward.”
The Vatican Library, renowned for its vast collection of historical treasures encompassing philosophy, theology, law, art, and more, is dedicated to preserving knowledge for future generations. Archbishop Zani underscored the importance of initiatives like “En Route,” which aims to showcase the rich periodical collection of Cesare Poma, an Italian diplomat whose archives provide valuable insights into global travel from various perspectives.
If you’re eager to embark on this enlightening journey through the world of travel, the “En Route” exhibition was inaugurated on January 31st at the Vatican Apostolic Library. To secure your spot during the Jubilee Year, online booking is mandatory from February 15th to December 20th, 2025. For more information and booking details, please visit the official website: https://enrouteproject.com.
Embark on a Cultural Odyssey with “En Route”
Don Giacomo Cardinali, the curator of the Vatican Library’s exhibition hall, emphasized the exhibition’s focus on celebrating the values associated with travel, particularly within the Jubilee Year context. Collaborating with visual artists, photographers, and designers, “En Route” showcases a diverse range of creative perspectives that add depth to the exploration of travel.
Renowned Icelandic illustrator Kristjana S. Williams shared her profound experience of interpreting Cesare Poma’s archival materials visually. She expressed how historical documents offer a unique lens into humanity’s evolving perspectives on global navigation.
Maria Grazia Chiuri, the Artistic Director of Dior’s women’s collections, delved into the intersection of fashion and travel. She highlighted how patterns, textiles, and embroidery serve as cultural maps, narrating unique stories through fabric. Chiuri aptly described the loom as “humanity’s first computer,” bridging artistry and technology seamlessly.
Adding a cultural perspective to the discussion, Karishma Swali, the Creative Director of the Chanakya School of Craft, emphasized the profound significance of embroidery in showcasing humanity’s shared history. Through this project, she aimed to highlight India’s rich tradition of craftsmanship and its interconnectedness with global artistic practices.
Unveiling the Fascinating Journey of the “En Route” Exhibition
Step into a world of exploration as the “En Route” exhibition takes you on a captivating voyage through time, tracing the evolution of world tours that gained prominence in the late 19th century. Inspired by literary works like Jules Verne’s and advancements in transportation, this exhibition offers a unique perspective on travel narratives.
Discover the extensive newspaper collection of diplomat Cesare Poma, showcasing travel stories from the farthest corners of the globe. Delve into the extraordinary journey of French journalists Lucien Leroy and Henri Papillaud, who funded their round-the-world trip through a serialized travel journal between 1895 and 1897.
A special feature of the exhibition pays homage to six remarkable women—Nellie Bly, Elizabeth Bisland, Annie Londonderry, Gertrude Bell, Agnes Smith Lewis, and Margaret Dunlop Gibson—who defied societal norms to embark on solo journeys around the world. These trailblazing women shattered stereotypes and left an indelible mark on the perception of travel.
