World Class Exhibit Comes to Cleveland - Vatican Splendors

This exhibition features reliquary holding fragments of bones of Saint Peter, personal items of Michelangelo, Bernini’s sculpture, papal election objects and earliest known representation of Jesus.

One of the largest collections of art, documents and historically significant objects from the Vatican ever to tour North America is coming to the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland beginning May 31, 2008, for a limited, exclusive regional engagement. Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Swiss Guard will present unique objects illustrating the Vatican’s impact on history and culture through 2,000 years. The timing of the exhibition commemorates the 500th anniversary of Saint Peter’s Basilica, the founding of the Vatican Museums, Michelangelo’s painting of the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the establishment of the Papal Swiss Guard.

“Vatican Splendors is visiting only three U.S. cities, so we feel very fortunate to have it come here to Cleveland,” said Dr. Gainor Davis, president of the Western Reserve Historical Society. "Since such a large percentage of Northeastern Ohio's population has Catholic roots, the Society felt that this exhibition meshed perfectly with its ongoing mission to educate our residents about the origins of their history, culture and traditions. People will be able to see some of the world's greatest treasures without having to travel to the Vatican."

Approximately 200 rare objects will be presented in contextual environments, such as the recreated tomb of Saint Peter. Items in the collection – which includes tiaras; mosaics; paintings; works by well-known sculptors; papal rings and jewels; intricately embroidered silk vestments; precious objects from the Papal Mass; armor, swords and vestments of the Papal Swiss Guard; and gifts to the popes from notables such as Napoleon and the Dalai Lama – are on loan from the Vatican Museums, the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, the Office of the Liturgical Celebrations of the Supreme Pontiff, the Reverenda Fabbrica of Saint Peter, the Apostolic Floreria, private collections and the Papal Swiss Guard.

The exhibition also features actual objects relating to the election of Pope Benedict XVI, such as election ballots, patens and urns used in voting, a ceremonial vestment and an actual white smoke cartridge announcing the election.

“Indeed, this exhibition is in itself significant, as it represents one of the largest collections of art and objects from the Vatican ever to tour North America,” stated Monsignor Roberto Zagnoli, curator of the Vatican Museums. “Many of these works have never before been outside Vatican City.”

After the three-city tour of St. Petersburg, Fla., Cleveland and St. Paul, Minn., the items featured in Vatican Splendors will return to Rome where they cannot be absent for more than a year.

“It is a great privilege for Cleveland to host this wonderful collection,” said the Most Rev. Richard G. Lennon, bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland. “This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all – not just Catholics – to see these awe-inspiring treasures and significant pieces of art and beauty here in Northeast Ohio.”

Highlights of the exhibition include a reliquary containing fragments of bones of Saint Peter and a gold Votive Plaque found in the area of the tomb, all displayed within a dramatic reproduction of the Tomb of Saint Peter; the Mandylion of Edessa, a third to fifth century image on linen considered one of the oldest known representations of Jesus present in Rome; a mosaic Bust of an Angel by the 14th century master, Giotto; personal items and tools of Michelangelo; an exquisite terra-cotta sculpture by Bernini; the Papal Tiara of Pope Pius VII, the symbol of the papacy, made of gold, precious stones, pearls, velvet and silk, and topped with an exquisite emerald; a Buddhist Thanka of embroidered cloth and pearls, given by the Dalai Lama to John Paul II; the Pastoral Staff of Pope John Paul II; and a special presentation of uniforms, armor and weapons from the legendary Papal Swiss Guard.

“This exhibition is about art, history, culture and the Church’s legacy over the last 2,000 years,” said Mark Greenberg, president of Evergreen Exhibitions, producers of the exhibition. “The Vatican has had a profound impact on culture through the centuries by commissioning, collecting and preserving historical objects and art. Vatican Splendors is a moving tribute to an exquisite assemblage of art and objects associated with the papacy and the historic institution of the Vatican.”

Greenberg added that the exhibition is not solely about religion, but rather a collection of fine and decorative arts that explores the Vatican’s influence on world history.

Tickets for Vatican Splendors from Saint Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Swiss Guard go on sale April 14 and will be available by calling 1-888-5VATICAN (1-888-582-8422) or online at Ticketmaster.com. Tickets also may be purchased at the Western Reserve Historical Society box office located at 10825 East Blvd. in Cleveland. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors and $14 for children (age 6-12). Hours for Vatican Splendors will be Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Thursday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information regarding group sales and special packages, contact Tickets for Groups at 1-800-840-1157 or visit www.ticketsforgroups.com.

Tickets are on sale now at the Western Reserve Historical Society box office, at all ticketmaster locations including Giant Eagle and Macy’s, by phone at 1-888-5VATICAN and online at ticketmaster.com or vaticansplendors.com

CNN Declares Cleveland as One of the Best Places to Buy a Home!

You read that correctly... Cleveland is one of CNN Money's top 6 places to buy a home these days. In an analysis developed by Money Magazine, Cleveland was listed fourth in the nation for best place to buy a home in the next 12 months.

"Prices have stabilized and look ready to rise." -CNN Money Magazine speaking on Cleveland, OH, courtesy of CNN.com

What does this mean to you? In general it means that the market has begun to make its adjustments. Some have done so through foreclosure and bank auctions, while some real estate agents have helped people sell their homes quickly in an effort to allow their clients the opportunity to buy a new home while the market is still favorable to buyers. Many forecast that the national market has not hit "rock bottom" yet, but according to this study on CNN.com by Money Magazine, Cleveland is ahead of the curve and prone to stabilize and return to growth.

Consulting a real estate agent is the best way to capitalize on the present market. To contact the City Office of Real Living, Inc., call: 216.986.7716 or email scott.phillips@RealLiving.com.

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I Love Downtown Tours!

Think spring! Make plans now to attend “I Love Downtown”, the open house for downtown. On Sunday April 20th from 1-5pm take a trolley tour of downtown Cleveland’s hottest residential properties and see first hand why so many people are making the decision to move downtown.
Start your day with brunch or end it with dinner at one of downtown’s exceptional restaurants – then enjoy shopping and sightseeing as you visit a variety of stunning loft apartments, condos and new developments.

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Trolleys will drop you off and pick you up from your choice of 18 sites: The Arcade, The Avenue District, The Bingham, Bradley Building, Bridgeview Apartments, Hanna Tech Hotel, Hanna Theatre renovation project, The Lofts on Fourth, National Terminal Warehouse Apartments, 1900 Euclid Lofts, The Park Building, The Pointe at Gateway, Perry Payne Condominiums, Reserve Square, The Residences at Stonebridge, Statler Arms, Walker Weeks and Waterstreet Condominiums.

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The event is $20 per person when you register before the event; $35 at the door. For tickets and further information, call the Historic Gateway Neighborhood at 216.771.8088.

Can't make the tour, but still want to check out downtown homes? Call the Cleveland City Living at 216.373.6959.

Play Ball!

It's that time of year again! It's time to hear birds chirping, to take out spring jackets, to watch restaurants set up outdoor dining, to take out the grills, and time for Lake Erie to thaw. That's right, Clevelanders, its Tribe Time! Nobody knows Tribe Time better than the residents of Downtown Cleveland. In a poll of residents in a popular apartment building in the Warehouse District, 80% of them declared that they'd enjoyed strolling through downtown for a Tribe game last summer! And why wouldn't you?

For the cost of game-day parking, you can buy a cheap seat and have dinner and a beer in the batter's eye bar while enjoying the entertainment of your 2007 Central Division Champions! For more information on great places to live in walking distance of the Tribe, visit ClevelandCityLiving.com or email Scott(AT)clevelandcityliving.com.

See you at the Jake! oops... I mean Progressive Field!