Vatican Opens Century-Long Papamobile Exhibit Featuring Eight Mercedes-Benz Vehicles

The Vatican Museums will display a collection of eight Mercedes-Benz papamobiles, tracing a century of papal road transport, until Jan. 31, 2027.

Key takeaways

• Exhibit timeline: The display runs through Jan. 31, 2027 in the Vatican’s Quadrato Garden.
• Vehicle count: Eight Mercedes-Benz cars, each previously used by a pope, are on view.
• Historical span: The cars represent a hundred years of papal mobility, from the early 20th century to the present.
• Location: The exhibit is set in the Quadrato Garden of the Vatican Museums, a public courtyard.
• Visitor access: The showcase is open to museum visitors without additional ticket fees.

Exhibit details

The Vatican announced that eight former papal Mercedes-Benz vehicles will be arranged in the Quadrato Garden, a central courtyard of the Vatican Museums. The cars, ranging from models used by Pope Pius XII to those employed by Pope Francis, illustrate the evolution of papal transport technology.

Historical context

Since the 1920s, popes have relied on specially modified Mercedes-Benz cars for public appearances. The exhibit groups the vehicles by era, showing changes in security features, design and comfort. Early models were open-topped, while later ones are armored and equipped with bullet‑proof glass.

Visitor information

Admission to the papamobile exhibit is included in the standard Vatican Museums ticket. The display will remain in place until the end of January 2027, allowing tourists and pilgrims to view the cars during regular museum hours.

Why it matters:

The exhibit offers a tangible look at how the Vatican has adapted to modern security and mobility needs, reflecting broader trends in religious leadership and public engagement across the Middle East and Egypt.