Festivals and Films

London Raphael: cartoons and tapestries for the Sistine Chapel

From 07 Sep 2010 to 16 Oct 2010

8 September - 17 October 2010. In collaboration with the Vatican museums, the V&A present four of the ten tapestries designed by Raphael for the Sistine Chapel. The pieces on show are the original tapestries, comprising the extant series by Raphael (1483-1520). In terms of style and quality they are comparable to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel as High Renaissance masterpieces. They are displayed alongside the full-size designs known as the Raphael cartoons which have been in the collection of the V&A since 1865. This is the first time however that the designs and tapestries have been displayed together anywhere - a sight not even witnessed by Raphael. The exhibition was arranged to coincide with the state visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Great Britain from 12-19 September, and advance booking is strongly advised.

Daily: 10.00-17.45. Fri: 10.00-22.00