Art

The Pope’s Other Crown: The Next Pontiff Will Inherit an Exquisite Art Collection

Following Pope Francis’s death, Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, close to the public as preparations for the conclave begin.

Por: Angela Leon Cervera April 29, 2025

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling / By Antoine Taveneaux/via Wikimedia

Following the death of Pope Francis , Vatican City has temporarily closed the Vatican Museums since April 28th, including the famed Sistine Chapel, to prepare for the conclave—the secret gathering where cardinals will elect the new pope.

The Vatican has not provided a firm reopening date, since conclaves have no official time limit. Historically, modern conclaves, such as those that elected Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis himself, concluded within a week, but longer durations are possible.

The closure interrupts access to one of the world’s most visited cultural institutions: the Vatican Museums welcomed 6.8 million visitors in 2024 according to Vatican reports, showcasing treasures spanning Renaissance, Baroque, and modern art masterpieces.

What Will the New Pope Inherit Beyond Spiritual Leadership?

Beyond guiding the Catholic Church’s global mission, the next pope will oversee the stewardship of a monumental art collection, including:

The Raphael Rooms
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling
Works by Paul Gauguin, Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and many others

This vast patrimony represents centuries of cultural, artistic, and theological history, making the papal role one of both spiritual and cultural significance.

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How Did Pope Francis Shape the Vatican's Art World Presence?

Pope Francis’s legacy extends into the art world in unprecedented ways:

In 2024, he became the first pope to visit the Venice Biennale, landing by helicopter at the Women’s Prison on the island of Giudecca, where he praised collaborative art projects involving incarcerated women.
He invoked artists like Corita Kent, Frida Kahlo, and Louise Bourgeois, emphasizing their roles in imagining more inclusive and compassionate societies.
Francis also addressed cultural restitution. He endorsed the return of colonial-era artifacts, notably overseeing the repatriation of three Parthenon sculptures to Greece, calling such gestures “the right thing to do.”

His papacy reflected a deep respect for artistic creativity and a progressive stance on cultural responsibility.

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A Pause for Reflection and Renewal

The Vatican Museums closure in 2025 marks a solemn and transitional moment not only for the Catholic Church but also for the global cultural community.

As the conclave unfolds behind closed doors, the world awaits both a new spiritual leader and a new steward for one of humanity’s most extraordinary collections.

Vatican Museums Closure 2025

Why are the Vatican Museums closed? To prepare for the conclave following Pope Francis’s death.
When will the Museums reopen? No date has been announced; it depends on the conclave's duration.
What happens during a conclave? Cardinals from around the world gather in secrecy to elect the new pope.
What is the cultural significance of the Vatican Museums? They house some of the most important artworks in history, from Renaissance frescoes to modern masterpieces.
What was Pope Francis’s impact on art and culture? He expanded the Vatican’s engagement with contemporary art and supported cultural restitution initiatives.