Sistine Chapel not for rent, says director of Vatican Museums

October 27, 2014

Countering reports that the Sistine Chapel has been rented out for a private party by the Porsche Travel Club, the director of the Vatican Museums has insisted that the event is not a rental.

The Sistine Chapel is “certainly not able to be rented on request, nor will it ever become a venue for private parties,” said Antonio Paolucci.

Paolucci explained that the Vatican Museums have private tours for donors, and these tours can include a concert inside the Sistine Chapel. The Porsche Travel Club arranged such a tour, which is expected to net bout $200,000 for the museums.

Paolucci added that private tours of the Vatican Museums have been quietly arranged for many years, and these tours nearly always include a visit to the Sistine Chapel. He argued that the new initiative, offering concerts, was not a significant departure from longstanding practices.

 

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Further information:

• Sistine Chapel being used as sacred place – not 'venue for private parties' (CNA)
• Sistine Chapel rented out as part of ‘exclusive Porsche tour of Rome’ (CWN, 10/17)