Five hundred years ago Michelangelo unveiled what would come to be regarded as one of the world’s great masterpieces of inspired art and perhaps the most beautiful sculpture ever created. The Pietà was both the consummate expression of Michelangelo’s artistic abilities and an embodiment of the divine inspiration that guided his work.
This famous work of art depicts the body of Jesus on the lap of his Blessed Mother after the crucifixion. Arte Divine, in partnership with the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums, has recreated Michelangelo’s masterpiece Pietà in cast marble using a mold derived from the original. This posthumous Pietà is a precise 1:1 casting that is faithful in every detail to Michelangelo’s original.
Michelangelo sculpted the Pietà at the end of the 15th century. The original sculpture now sits in St. Peter’s Basilica, though elevated and behind protective glass after an incident of vandalism in 1972.
The Pieta to Permanently Grace the Cathedral
We are delighted to announce that Michelangelo’s Pietà will become a permanent installation of the Cathedral. The 1:1 marble replica of Michelangelo’s masterpiece has been on display in the Gathering Space since November through a partnership with Arte Divine. That organization works closely with the Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museum to create exact castings of the Pietà and other sacred art, and make it accessible to the faithful throughout the world.
During its four-month exhibition at the Cathedral, an anonymous benefactor requested to sponsor the permanent acquisition of the casting for the parish. The Pietà will remain in the Gathering Space, the centerpiece of an intimate new space that joins the Cathedral, Adoration Chapel, and d’Youville Chapel as a sacred place of prayer for parishioners and visitors.
“Our cathedral, school, parish community and the Archdiocese of Atlanta are so very blessed to have this iconic image of our Christian faith placed here at the Cathedral of Christ the King,” said Monsignor Frank. “The Pietà focused the hearts and minds of our students toward God and his Blessed Mother. For our sick and elderly, the Pietà inspires healing, hope, peace and compassion to each person and their loved ones.”
“Pietà is perhaps the most beautiful sculpture ever created,” said Archbishop Hartmayer. “I hope it elevates the hearts and minds of all those faithful who personally experience the transcendent beauty of this divinely inspired work.”
Visiting Information
Viewing Hours
9:00 AM-6:00 PM, seven days a week.
Parking and Directions
Click here for directions
Parking is available in the parking deck (15 on the campus map below) on Peachtree Way, across the street from the Cathedral entrance (A). Handicap parking and entry is available on the Plaza (2).
