The Profane Gregorian Museum has a collection of marbles from the Parthenon in Athens, Greece. The collection is made up of fragments from the frieze, metopes, and pediments of the Parthenon. These marbles were brought to Rome in the early 19th century by the famous archaeologist and art collector, Giovanni Battista Lusieri, who sold them to Pope Pius VII.
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The sculpture of Athena and Marsyas is one of the most famous works in the Museo Gregoriano Profano. This Roman copy of a Greek original depicts the goddess Athena with Marsyas, a satyr who was flayed alive for challenging Apollo to a musical contest. The sculpture shows Athena holding a flute and Marsyas tied to a tree, with his skin hanging from a branch.
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The Asàrotos òikos mosaic is a unique and intriguing piece in the Museo Gregoriano Profano. It is a Roman floor mosaic depicting a scene of cleaning a dining room, but what makes it unusual is that the image shows a servant cleaning up the remains of a banquet, including vomit. This depiction of a not-so-glorious aspect of ancient Roman dining habits makes the mosaic a fascinating artifact.
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The Museo Gregoriano Profano has a collection of ancient sculptures that were found in the Vatican Gardens in the 18th century. Among these sculptures is the Chiaramonti Niobid, a Roman copy of a Greek original depicting the figure of Niobe mourning the loss of her children. This sculpture is known for its exceptional craftsmanship and is considered to be one of the most important works of Roman sculpture.
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The Profane Gregorian Museum has a number of artifacts related to Julius Caesar, including coins, busts, and a life-size statue. One of the most interesting pieces in the collection is a bronze bust of Julius Caesar, which is believed to be a contemporary portrait made during his lifetime.
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The Palazzo della Cancelleria was one of the most important palaces in Renaissance Rome, and its decoration included a number of ancient Roman reliefs. These reliefs were removed from the palace in the 18th century and are now on display in the Museo Gregoriano Profano. The reliefs depict scenes from mythology and everyday life, and provide a valuable insight into the decorative tastes of Renaissance Rome.
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The Mausoleum of the Haterii is a Roman funerary monument that was discovered in the 16th century. The monument is decorated with stucco reliefs depicting scenes from everyday life, as well as mythological figures. The reliefs are now on display in the Profane Gregorian Museum and provide a valuable insight into the funerary practices of ancient Rome.
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The Museo Gregoriano Profano has a collection of mosaics from the Roman baths, including a particularly impressive mosaic from the Baths of Caracalla. The mosaic depicts a scene of a hunt, with figures on horseback and wild animals, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of ancient Roman mosaic work.
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The Profane Gregorian Museum also has a collection of other artifacts, including ancient Roman pottery, jewelry, and coins. One particularly interesting piece in the collection is a glass cup with a portrait of the Roman Emperor Hadrian. The cup features an intricate design and was made in the 2nd century AD.
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The Museo Gregoriano Profano is a museum located in Vatican City, dedicated to the display of ancient sculptures, mosaics, and other artifacts from the pagan world. It is a part of the Vatican Museums and was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1844.
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The museum houses a vast collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, including the celebrated "Athena and Marsyas" sculpture, which depicts the goddess Athena flaying the satyr Marsyas. Other notable pieces include the "Asàrotos òikos" mosaic, which depicts a servant cleaning a chamber pot, the "Chiaramonti Niobid," a sculpture of a dying Niobid, and the "Mausoleum of the Haterii," a monumental tomb with intricate carvings.
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The Profane Gregorian Museum was founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1844. The pope was an avid collector of ancient art and artifacts, and he established the museum as a way to showcase the Vatican's extensive collection of ancient sculptures, mosaics, and other objects.
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Photography is generally not allowed inside the Profane Gregorian Museum, although there may be some exceptions for certain exhibits or events. Visitors should check with museum staff before taking any photographs or videos.
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The Museo Gregoriano Profano is located within the Vatican Museums complex in Vatican City. Visitors can enter the Vatican Museums through the main entrance on Viale Vaticano or through the entrance on the Piazza del Risorgimento. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or in person at the museum. It is recommended to book tickets in advance to avoid long lines.
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