Vatican Museums launch five-year restoration of Raphael Loggia

The Vatican Museums announced Wednesday a five-year, $5.5 million project to clean and restore the Raphael Loggia, a 65-meter corridor inside the Apostolic Palace. The corridor, decorated between 1517 and 1519, contains 13 arched bays with biblical scenes and botanical motifs in paint and stucco. It has not received a major restoration in more than 500 years.

Project details Restorers will use handheld lasers for a dry-cleaning method because the paints are water-soluble. Officials also plan to install new windows that filter harmful sunlight. The work is supported by the World Monuments Fund and financed by the Stephen A.

Schwarzman Foundation. Stephen A. Schwarzman stated the foundation's total contribution exceeds $14 million, covering restoration, digitization, a documentary, and a training program at a Swiss university.

Historical context The loggia remained open to the elements until 1813, after which windows trapped heat and humidity that further damaged the artworks. A full-scale replica exists at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.