Museum of the Bible Sets Up the Stations of the Cross Exhibit for Lent

One day after Ash Wednesday and the beginning of the Lenten season, Museum of the Bible has opened a Stations of the Cross exhibit featuring a series of 14 bronze sculptures designed by renowned artist, Gilbert "Gib" Singleton. These modern sculptures are based on the traditional devotional scenes depicting the final hours of Jesus' life. The Stations of the Cross grew out of the pilgrimage sites in Jerusalem along the Via Dolorosa, or "Way of Sorrows." Versions of the stations are found today in many Christian churches. Bible verses placed alongside Singleton's sculptures will provide additional context for his art.

The 14 sculptures include:

• Station 1: Judgement
• Station 2: Behold Your King
• Station 3: Wine-Colored Robe
• Station 4: Blessed Mother
• Station 5: Simon of Cyrene
• Station 6: Veronica's Vision
• Station 7: Fallen Lamb
• Station 8: Daughters Do Not Weep for Me
• Station 9: My Soul Weeps for Sorrow
• Station 10: Scourging
• Station 11: Be Forsaken
• Station 12: Crucifixion 
• Station 13: Pietà
• Station 14: Entombed 

Singleton (1935-2014) recognized the power of these scenes, saying "I think on some level every sculptor has a dream of doing the Stations of the Cross. It's probably the most spiritual subject any artist can deal with. Everything important in the human story is right there - life, death, courage, compassion, love, betrayal, redemption." The Museum of Modern Art, the Vatican Museum, and the State of Israel also display works by Singleton.

"The Stations of the Cross exhibition brings together centuries-old devotion and emotional modern art during this season when many Christians observe Lent," said Jeff Kloha, chief curatorial officer of Museum of the Bible. "These sculptures express the suffering, pain and beauty of Jesus' ultimate sacrifice."

The exhibition will be open through May 2, 2021, on Museum of the Bible's fifth floor.

In addition to the special exhibit, Msgr. Stephen Rossetti, the Washington Nationals' chaplain, will lead a virtual procession based on the sculptures on March 1 in which he will guide guests through the stations with informative and moving commentary.

More information on Stations of the Cross is available here. 

More information on Museum of the Bible is available here.

 

 

 

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