Over 250 Holy Artifacts Are Traveling From Rome To Minnesota

The Mall of America has hosted a wide variety of exhibits and attractions over the years, from interactive art displays to Barbie’s Dream House, but this upcoming exhibit is unlike anything the Bloomington megamall has ever seen. It’s something truly unique, and very, very historic.

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A Historic Display Arrives in Minnesota

With renewed excitement surrounding the first American Pope, Leo XIV, the timing couldn’t be better for an exhibit featuring the largest collection of papal artifacts outside of Rome to come to the United States. Visitors will be able to explore centuries of Catholic history without ever leaving Minnesota.

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Curated by Duluth’s Father Richard Kunst

The exhibit, titled Vatican Unveiled, is being hosted by the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Catholic Church in Minnesota. It’s curated by Father Richard Kunst, a priest from the Diocese of Duluth who has spent years collecting and preserving historical items.

Rare Artifacts and Unseen Vatican History

The collection will feature more than 250 artifacts, including “a document with the second-oldest papal signature outside of the Vatican” and an extremely rare Swiss Guard uniform from the time of Pope Pius X. Each piece offers a rare glimpse into the lives and legacies of past Popes.

The 19,000-square-foot exhibit opens at the Mall of America on January 10 and runs through February 1. Visitors can already sign up for presale access to tickets before they officially go on sale.