Hidden Vatican masterpiece gets first major restoration in centuries

The Vatican Museums have announced a five-year, $5.5 million initiative to restore the Raphael Loggia, a historically significant passageway within the Apostolic Palace.

This marks the first major restoration in over 500 years for the 65-meter long corridor, celebrated as a pinnacle of Renaissance figurative art conceived by Raphael.

The loggia, which is not publicly accessible but used by select visitors to the pope, suffered damage after being exposed to the elements until 1813, according to Paolo Violini, head of painting restoration at the Vatican Museums.

Restorers will employ hand-held lasers for a “dry” cleaning method to protect the water-soluble paints, alongside plans to replace windows with sun-filtering glass for long-term preservation.

The restoration is a collaborative effort with the World Monuments Fund and is financed by the Stephen A. Schwarzman Foundation.