Sphere Within A Sphere
QuickTime Video of Gold Ball or link to the video on Facebook
In the Courtyard of the Pinecone on the grounds of the Vatican Museum, you will come across a large gold sphere. This is called “Sphere Within Sphere” (Sfere Con Sfera) and it was created in 1990 by Italian sculptor Arnoldo Pomodoro. What it is meant to signify is open to interpretation – I’ve heard that the inner sphere is supposed to reflect Earth and the outer sphere reflects modern day society (also saw reports that it was supposed to signify today’s Christianity). Apparently, Pomodoro has made quite a few of these bronze spheres – they can be found at the UN in NYC, at the University of California in Berkeley, at Trinity College in Dublin as well as in Spain and D.C.
The bronze sculpture rotates periodically and it acts as a magnet to the many tourists who were walking from one wing of the Vatican Museum to the other on the day of our visit.
You can view the sphere with any general admission ticket to the Vatican or during a guided tour (with a group or private). Regardless of how you choose to explore the vast Vatican Museums (on your own or with a guide) its highly advisable to book your tickets in advance – or be ready for LONG lines! I can assist you with these reservations (see below for contact info).
Have a photo or comment you’d like to share? Just send me an email or post it below!
Want to visit the Vatican Museums and/or other parts of Europe? Just fill out a Travel Request Form or send me an email. I am a travel agent who specializes in travel to Europe. Check out my main website: GoYourOwnWayTravel.com for more info!
