Bernini's Masterpiece Canopy Commissioned by Pope Urban VIII

New Rome exhibition spotlights young Bernini's pivotal role in shaping St. Peter's Basilica

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A new exhibition in Rome is highlighting the pivotal moment when the young, 25-year-old Gian Lorenzo Bernini was entrusted by Pope Urban VIII to create the massive bronze canopy over the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica. The show explores Bernini's close relationship with the pope and the complex process of constructing the nearly 100-foot-tall canopy, which took a decade to complete from 1624 to 1633.

Why it matters

The exhibition sheds light on how Bernini, who would later shape the visual identity of Baroque Rome, was still considered too inexperienced for such a monumental undertaking. However, Pope Urban VIII pushed ahead with the commission, despite resistance from the body of cardinals overseeing the basilica's building works. The canopy project also reflects the era's intense religious sensibility, as every portion of excavated earth was carefully preserved to avoid profaning relics connected to St. Peter's tomb.

The details

Excavations for the canopy's foundations began in June 1623, only months after Urban VIII's election and even before the basilica's solemn consecration in November. The final design solution likely came from Francesco Borromini, whose system of large volutes now supports the globe crowned by a cross. The exhibition also traces Bernini's role in shaping the public identity of the Barberini family, including works associated with the 'gallery of ancestors' promoted by Cardinal Francesco Barberini, the pope's nephew.

  • Excavations for the canopy's foundations began in June 1623.
  • The Baldachin of St. Peter's was completed in 1633, taking a decade to construct.

The players

Gian Lorenzo Bernini

A 25-year-old Italian sculptor and architect who was entrusted by Pope Urban VIII to create the massive bronze canopy over the tomb of St. Peter in St. Peter's Basilica.

Pope Urban VIII

The pope who commissioned the young Bernini to undertake the ambitious project of constructing the canopy over St. Peter's tomb, despite resistance from the body of cardinals overseeing the basilica's building works.

Francesco Borromini

The architect whose system of large volutes likely provided the final design solution for supporting the globe crowned by a cross atop Bernini's canopy.

Cardinal Francesco Barberini

The pope's nephew who promoted a 'gallery of ancestors' featuring works by Bernini that helped shape the public identity of the Barberini family.

Maurizia Cicconi

The curator of the exhibition in Rome exploring the relationship between Bernini and Pope Urban VIII.

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What they’re saying

“Urban VIII, Cicconi noted, wanted a stable, monumental work that would proclaim the grandeur of the new basilica and emphasize the centrality of the site.”

— Maurizia Cicconi, Exhibition Curator (AngelusNews)

“The freedom of Gian Lorenzo Bernini is seen precisely in the possibility — or not — of freely accepting commissions.”

— Maurizia Cicconi, Exhibition Curator (AngelusNews)

What’s next

The exhibition will run through June 14, 2026, as part of celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of the consecration of the new St. Peter's Basilica in 1626.

The takeaway

This exhibition highlights how the young Bernini, at just 25 years old, was entrusted by Pope Urban VIII with one of the most ambitious artistic commissions in Church history, shaping the visual identity of the new St. Peter's Basilica and the Barberini family's public image during a volatile European moment when the papacy sought to assert its spiritual and temporal influence through art.