Atrium

The museum’s completely rebuilt main lobby now includes a dramatic multi-level atrium with stairs to exhibits in the upper lobby. A 387-year-old cross from St. Peter’s Basilica dominates the space. It was a gift to the Knights from Pope John Paul II in appreciation for the Order’s restoration of the basilica’s façade. Because of its fragile condition, the cross was not reinstalled as part of the Christ the Redeemer statue on top of St. Peter’s.