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Swiss Guard uniforms from various times and units.

Helmets from different Swiss Guard units and time periods.

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VATICAN SWISS GUARD EXHIBIT AT KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS MUSEUM w/3 cuts

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NEW HAVEN, CONN. — The Knights of Columbus Museum is the only US venue for the colorful and historical exhibition “The Swiss Guard: Celebrating 500 Years of Papal Service,” which will run through June 15. On view concurrently, are two exhibits, “A Vatican Christmas: Crèches of Pope John Paul II” and “Crosses and Crucifixes.”

“The Swiss Guard” features priceless artifacts from the world’s oldest military organization created to protect the Vatican and the pope at a time when it was not uncommon for rampaging armies to attack and pillage European cities. Many of the pieces are on loan from Vatican, where they were displayed for much of 2006 to commemorate the quincentennial of the Swiss Guard. The remainder of the objects are on loan from other European museums and a former member of the Swiss Guard.

The 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 featured items is the helmet of Charles of Borbone, who was killed while leading a renegade army in the sacking of Rome in 1527 that cost the lives of more then 4,000 residents (the Swiss Guard successfully protected Pope Clement VII in the Castel Sant’ Angelo).

Members of the Swiss Guard must be Catholic men, who hold Swiss citizenship, are between the ages of 19 and 30, have Swiss military training, professional or high school diplomas, are at least 5 feet 9 inches tall and are unmarried. The Swiss Guards have historically been renowned for their bravery and devotion. They continue to function today as the security force for the pope and Vatican City.

The Knights of Columbus Museum is at 1 State Street and is open Wednesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Admission and parking in the museum garage are free. For directions and more information, www.kofc.org/museum or 203-865-0400.