An interview with Monsignor Terence Hogan, Coordinator of the Office for Relations with Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums

Promoting the cultural, spiritual and historical heritage

A useful instrument of connection between the Vatican Museums and the Patrons of the Arts for a closer and more fruitful cooperation. The Mission of the Office for Relations with Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museum (Urpavm) guarantees its professionalism and competence at the service of art and faith. The following is an interview with Msgr. Terence Hogan, Coordinator of the Office for Relations with Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums.

What is your role with Patrons?

As Coordinator of the Office for Relations with Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums (Urpavm), I work in close collaboration with the office of the President of the Governorate. Many tasks are carried out in synergy with the staff of the Office for Relations with Patrons, including planning and development of the office, its financial management, relations with benefactors organized into chapters throughout the world, the presentation and promotion of restoration works, visits from Patrons and other related events.

Art is a source of harmony and peace. How can it be promoted in these times, in which wars rage across the world?

The promotion of art as a source of peace and harmony can be expressed through the constant support for restoration and preservation of artistic treasures, making them accessible to future generations. Art inspires, elevates and reveals the human spirit, providing a universal language that transcends conflict. Being committed to projects that highlight beauty and the cultural meaning of art can be a bridge to unite people from different places and situations.

Patrons have the important mission of protecting the beauty of the artistic patrimony. What are their priorities?

Patrons of the Arts believe in art’s ability to inspire, elevate and reveal the human spirit. Our mission is to restore and preserve the works of arts in the Vatican Museums, promoting the cultural, spiritual and historical heritage and improving and enhancing the structures and collections of the Vatican Museums.

Have you noticed that works of art often lead to faith more than words and ideas?

The artworks in the Vatican Museums can have a profound effect on faith. Art is capable of inspiring and transmitting spiritual truths and beauty that can have a profound effect on individuals. Visiting the Vatican Museums can move and lift spirits, and the work of the Patrons highlights the lasting link between art and faith.

In which projects are the resources of Patrons currently being used?

Each year, the Office for Relations with Patrons of the Arts presents a list of restoration plans, a wish book waiting to be fulfilled. In the last 40 years, hundreds of artistic and cultural works have been restored, including, the Sistine Chapel, the Paoline Chapel, the Cortile del Bramante, Raphael’s Rooms, the Ethnological Museum, Anima Mundi, the Necropolis of Santa Rosa, various paintings, sculptures and other art forms that represent over 2,000 years of civilization.