Vatican art collection to be in Cleveland

CLEVELAND (AP) — Some of the earliest known depictions of Jesus are among the items in a collection of Vatican art and artifacts that will be on view in the city next year.

A reliquary containing bone fragments of St. Peter and personal belongings of Michelangelo are also among the 200 items slated for exhibit at the Western Reserve Historical Society in May.

“They (the Vatican) don’t let their treasures out very often. So when they put them out on display, it’s quite an extraordinary experience,” said historical society board Chairman Gary Adams.

“Vatican Splendors from St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and Swiss Guard” will stop at only two other cities during its North American tour. The show will arrive in Cleveland after its debut in St. Petersburg, Fla. The exhibit will run here from May 31 to Sept. 7.

“This exhibit is artifact-rich and also has a great historical element that makes it a good fit for us,” said Angie Cochenour, director of sales and marketing for the historical society.