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Preserving our past, restoring our art

The Illinois Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds for the preservation, care, exhibition, and restoration of art in the Vatican Museums.

The Illinois chapter of the Patrons was founded in 1993 and is one of seventeen Patrons of the Arts chapters located throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe.

Although the Vatican Museums host over 15,000 visitors each day, the sale of tickets only provides for the daily operation of the museums. The museums are not subsidized by the Holy See and must be self-sufficient which means that the work of restoration and conservation must be supported by Patrons dedicated to the unique spiritual and cultural mission of the Vatican Museums and Pontifical Galleries.

Patrons are invited to donate $600.00 annually per person for membership, $1,200.00 for family membership, or $250.00 for associate membership. These membership fees are used for restoration work, conservation projects, equipment for the restoration laboratories, capital improvements and acquisition of art.

The Illinois Patrons hosts several educational and social events each year for members and sends out a quarterly newsletter. When Patrons visit the Vatican, they are received in the Office of the Patrons of the Arts in the Apostolic Palace. They are provided a complimentary tour of the Vatican Museums with a private guide and are encouraged to visit the restoration laboratories and sections of the museums not open to the public. Patrons are invited to Vatican ceremonies when important restorations are unveiled and share in the legacy and heritage of the art of the Vatican Museums.

Illinois Patrons President Anne Shea with Cardinal George

Cardinal George visits the restoration done in his honor

The restoration of “The Madonna and Child with Mary Magdalene” adopted by the Ad Limina pilgrims in honor of Cardinal George, has been completed. In April, Cardinal George, Anne Shea, and Fr. Mark Haydu met with the Vatican Museum restorers and they were able to see the completed version of this beautiful painting.

Officers and Directors

Chairman
Francis Cardinal George, O.M.I.
Archbishop of Chicago

President
Anne Shea

Vice President
Donna Nelson-Stride

Treasurer
Richard Guzior

Secretary
Jonathan Michael

Directors
Rose Anne Anschuetz
Paula D'Angelo
Frances Darley
Ralph Gilbert
Donna Nelson Stride
Peggy O'Brien Schulze
Dorothy O'Reilly
Joe Walker
Bruce Waller, M.D.

Mailing Address
Office of the Vicar General
Illinois Patrons of the Arts
Archdiocese of Chicago
835 N Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611

Contact
illinoispatrons@gmail.com
(312) 534-5391

Help support our mission by making a donation.

Illinois Patrons of the Arts in Vatican Museums is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. No goods or services were provided in exchange for your generous donation.