The Museum of Catholic Art and History opened at the end of 2021 after relocating from the Holy Family Church school building, where the museum operated from 1998 to 2019. The institution was founded in 1998 by Father Kevin Lutz with the support of Bishop James Griffin, originally bearing the name Jubilee Museum in honor of the Great Jubilee declared by Pope John Paul II.
Collection and Relocation
The Museum of Catholic Art and History possesses the largest collection of diverse Catholic art in the United States. Among its treasures are a chalice once owned by Mary, Queen of Scotland, a box for Pope Pius IX's tobacco, rare devotional relics, and valuable papal artifacts.
Exhibitions and Collections:
- Synagogue: Showcases connections between Catholicism and Judaism with items such as a Hanukkah menorah and a Torah.
- Relic Chapel: Demonstrates nearly 450 Catholic relics.
- Holy Land Collection: Includes artifacts like a Roman Pilum and ancient coins.
- St. Peter's Room: Contains artifacts from the closed St. Peter's Church.
- Pope and Bishop's Room: Displays papal and bishopric artifacts, including the fascia of Pope Pius XII and the vestments of Archbishop John Carroll.
- Nativity Scene Room: Features 500 nativity scenes from various cultures and a large Fontanini collection.
- Bible Room: Houses facsimile editions of the Gutenberg Bible and the King James Bible, among others.
- Monastery Room: Dedicated to items related to religious sisters and their attire.
Current Information:
Address: 257 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43215
Contacts: +1 614-618-4030
Working Hours:
Tue-Sat 10:00-16:00 (10:00 AM - 04:00 PM)
Sun-Mon - Closed
