Gallery of the Candelabra
A neoclassical gallery within the Vatican Museums housing one of the most celebrated Roman marble sculptures—a first-century chariot drawn by two horses, restored in 1788.
At a glance
Part of the Vatican Museums, the Gallery of the Candelabra is a late-eighteenth-century room that showcases major works of classical antiquity. The gallery derives its name from the elaborate candelabra that line its walls, though its most renowned treasure is the monumental marble chariot group.
History
The gallery was designed and furnished at the end of the eighteenth century as the papal collections expanded. The centerpiece Roman marble chariot group dates to the first century AD. Recognizing its importance, curators undertook extensive restoration work in 1788, stabilizing the marble and preparing the piece for display. The gallery also acquired a celebrated copy of the Discobolus, modeled after Myron’s celebrated Greek bronze original from around 460 BC, which was discovered in the Villa d’Este at Tivoli.
What you see
The room exemplifies neoclassical taste, with candelabra adorning the walls. The dominant sculpture is the Roman marble biga—a ceremonial chariot—depicting a team of two horses rendered with anatomical precision. The Discobolus copy, based on Myron’s revolutionary contrapposto composition, demonstrates the classical Greek ideal of athletic dynamism frozen in stone.
Cultural significance
The gallery represents papal collecting practices and the Vatican’s role as custodian of classical treasures. The marble chariot exemplifies Roman imperial craftsmanship, while the Discobolus copy preserves the influence of one of antiquity’s most celebrated sculptural compositions, shaping artistic ideals for centuries.
Key facts
- Address: Musei Vaticani, 00120, Stato del Vaticano
- Coordinates: 41.90631348848535, 12.454134821891785
- Phone: 06 69883332
- Website: http://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/it/collezioni/musei/museo-pio-clementino/sala-della-biga.html
Practical information
The gallery is accessed as part of the Vatican Museums. Admission requires a ticket to the museums. Hours and current admission policies should be confirmed on the official Vatican Museums website.
Getting there
The Vatican Museums are located in Vatican City. You can reach them by metro (Line A to Ottaviano), bus, or on foot from central Roma. Allow time for security screening at the museum entrance.
Sources & resources
Find it on the map
See this place and what’s around it →📷 Diventa un fotografo di Cultural Heritage Online
Condividi le tue foto dei luoghi: restano pubblicate con la tua firma come autore. Più vengono viste, più ti fai conoscere — e presto un concorso premierà le foto più apprezzate.
Accedi o registrati gratis per aggiungere una foto