Restoration Project of the Raphael Loggia Begins at Vatican

The Vatican Museums have initiated a $5.5 million restoration project targeting the Raphael Loggia. This corridor, located in the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace, is a remarkable display of Renaissance art, attributed to the master Raphael.

This 65-meter corridor, with a width of 4 meters, offers stunning biblical scenes and botanical motifs in both painting and stucco. While it is not open to the general public, those meeting the pope or the Secretariat of State experience its beauty as they pass through.

Pope Leo XIV, residing in the Apostolic Palace, traverses this passageway on his way to audiences. Raphael created the corridor’s decoration between 1517 and 1519, making it one of his final commissions for Pope Leo X. His renowned works in the Vatican Museums include the Raphael Rooms and tapestries.

The passageway contains 13 arched bays acclaimed as significant examples of figurative painting. Their influence reached Russia, where a replica is housed in the Hermitage Museum. Initially exposed to the elements, the corridor sustained damage until windows were installed in 1813. However, these windows captured heat and humidity, causing further harm.

Restoration experts will employ hand-held lasers for cleaning and restoration. This ‘dry’ cleaning method is necessary as the paint is water-soluble and would be damaged by traditional cleaning methods or chemical solvents.

The World Monuments Fund is collaborating on this project. Financing comes from the Stephen A. Schwarzman Foundation, a philanthropic entity based in New York. At a press conference, Schwarzman stated the foundation’s contribution totals over $14 million.

• $5.5 million directed at the restoration of the Raphael Loggia.
• Funds allocated for digitizing images, creating a documentary, and establishing a restorers’ training program at a Swiss university.

As part of the restoration, the Vatican will replace the corridor’s windows with specialized glass that filters harmful sun rays.

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