By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Feb 1, 2025 / 09:00 am
Calling all pilgrims and travel enthusiasts! The Vatican Apostolic Library is set to unveil a groundbreaking exhibition during the 2025 Jubilee Year, showcasing a fascinating collection of 19th-century travel documents alongside contemporary artistic interpretations.
Set to open its doors on Feb. 15, the “En Route” exhibition marks the library’s sixth installment in a series that bridges the gap between historical artifacts and modern art, a tradition that began in 2021.
“The jubilee is all about journeys and pilgrimages, so it’s only fitting that the theme of travel takes center stage in this exhibition,” explained Don Giacomo Cardinali, commissioner of the Exhibition Hall of the Vatican Apostolic Library, in an exclusive interview with EWTN News.
Featuring a unique collection of travel newspapers published by French journalists Leroy and Papillaud, as well as Italian diplomat Cesare Poma’s extensive archive, the exhibition offers a glimpse into the diverse cultures and languages encountered by travelers across five continents.
Adding a contemporary twist to the historical materials, three talented artists have been invited to showcase their interpretations of these travel narratives.
Renowned Italian singer and world traveler Lorenzo Jovanotti Cherubini will present his travel artifacts, musical instruments, and a specially curated travel journal complete with a captivating soundscape.
Artist Kristjana S. Williams, known for her intricate designs and collaboration with Vatican archives, will unveil a series of new artworks inspired by the stories found in the historical documents. “Accessing the Vatican archives and bringing these stories to life through art has been a dream come true for me,” shared Williams’ public relations director, Rachel Bushell, in an interview with EWTN News.
