The Swiss Guard
From November 1, 2206 to June 30, 2007

The Swiss Guard: Celebrating 500 Years of Papal Service features priceless artifacts from the world’s oldest military organization.
The Swiss Guard was created in the 16th century to protect the Vatican and the pope at a time when it was not uncommon for rampaging armies to attack and pillage European cities.
During its 500-year history, the Vatican has amassed many important and historical objects related to the Swiss Guard that will be shown for the first time in America. Additional items from museums in Italy, Switzerland, Austria and other European countries are on display.
The Swiss Guard exhibit includes uniformed mannequins, suits of armor, helmets, swords, lances and other weapons, paintings, prints, documents, medals, flags and pennants.
One of the show’s feature items is the helmet of Charles of Bourbon, who was killed while leading a renegade army in the Sacking of Rome in1527 that cost the lives of more than 4,000 residents (the Swiss Guard successfully protected Pope Clement VII in the Castel Sant’Angelo).