Associates Illinois Patrons

The Illinois Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that raises funds for the preservation, care, exhibition, and restoration of art in the Vatican Museums. The Illinois chapter of the Patrons was founded in 1993 and is one of seventeen Patrons of the Arts chapters located throughout the United States, Canada, and Europe. Although the Vatican Museums host over 15,000 visitors each day, the sale of tickets only provides for the daily operation of the museums. The museums are not subsidized by the Holy See and must be self-sufficient which means that the work of restoration and conservation must be supported by Patrons dedicated to the unique spiritual and cultural mission of the Vatican Museums and Pontifical Galleries.