The Holy Father will visit the Vatican Library on September 14 to inaugurate “AQVA,” the first exhibition in a new series titled “Catastrofe e meraviglia” (Catastrophe and Wonder). According to Vatican officials, the project explores the dual nature of natural elements as both essential resources and sources of human fear. The water-themed exhibition is scheduled to run from September 25, 2026, until May 14, 2027.
Merging History and Contemporary Art
The “Catastrophe and Wonder” series represents a continued effort by the Vatican to bridge the gap between its centuries-old archival heritage and modern artistic expression. Vatican Library head Archbishop Giovanni Pagaci stated that the exhibition reflects Pope Leo XIV’s desire to treat the present as a meeting place where the past and future coexist. The project features collaborations with three contemporary figures: French artist J.R., American typographer Bill Moran, and Italian chef Fulvio Pierangelini.
This initiative builds upon the Vatican Library’s established history of curatorial innovation. The 2025 exhibition “In the Way” (Ceļā), which ran from February 15 to December 20, served as a significant precursor. According to Vatican Library Prefect Mauro Mantovani, that exhibition successfully blended rare 19th-century travel documents with modern artistic interpretations, marking the sixth stage in the library’s ongoing dialogue between historical collections and contemporary art.
Broadening Access to Vatican Cultural Heritage
The Holy See has increasingly utilized public-facing spaces to share its collections with pilgrims and tourists. The Dicastery for Culture and Education recently launched “Conciliazione 5,” a single-room gallery located on Via della Conciliazione, the main thoroughfare leading to St. Peter’s Basilica. This space provides high-visibility access to rotating contemporary art installations for those passing by on their way to the Vatican.
Beyond its own walls, the Holy See has maintained a presence at the Venice Biennale since 2013, participating in the international festival to facilitate further cultural exchange. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to make the Vatican’s institutional memory more accessible, a mission that dates back to Pope Paul V’s establishment of the Vatican Secret Archives, which were eventually opened to researchers in the late 19th century.
Historical Milestones in Research
The upcoming exhibition also serves as an anniversary commemoration. Vatican Library Vice-Prefect Giacomo Cardinali noted that the showcase highlights the 470th anniversary of Ippolito Salviani’s treatise on fish, which was completed in Rome in 1557 with the library’s financial and organizational backing. This connection underscores the library’s long-standing role as a patron of scientific and natural history documentation.
Pro Tip:
If you are planning a visit to the Vatican, check the official Vatican Apostolic Library website for upcoming exhibition schedules. The library frequently updates its digital archives, allowing researchers to explore rare manuscripts remotely before visiting in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the “AQVA” exhibition open?
The exhibition is set to open on September 25, 2026, and will remain on display through May 14, 2027.
Who founded the Vatican Library?
Pope Sixtus IV established the library on May 15, 1475.
Can researchers access the Vatican’s archives?
Yes. Following the large-scale 20th-century digital preservation project, thousands of unique documents are now freely accessible to researchers worldwide.
Where is the “Conciliazione 5” gallery located?
It is located on Via della Conciliazione, the primary street leading to St. Peter’s Basilica, designed to reach both pilgrims and tourists.
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