For almost 100 years, one of the most recognizable symbols of the papacy has not been a crown or a staff, but a highly specialized, rolling piece of automotive history. To celebrate this unique legacy, the Vatican Museums have officially unveiled "A Century of the Popemobile," a brand-new exhibition tracing the fascinating evolution of papal transportation.
Set within a striking glass pavilion in the Vatican's Giardino Quadrato (Square Garden), the exhibition offers travelers and automotive enthusiasts an up-close look at the vehicles that have allowed successive popes to safely engage with the faithful both in Rome and across the globe.
From Royal Carriages to the Modern Popemobile
The exhibition tracks a remarkable transformation in how the Vatican viewed mobility. It begins with the formal, chauffeur-driven cars of the 1930s—most notably the 1930 Mercedes-Benz Nürburg 460, presented to Pope Pius XI. These early vehicles were primarily built for regal representation and quiet luxury.
However, as popes began to travel the globe more extensively in the latter half of the 20th century, the vehicles had to evolve. The exhibition highlights the transition to the iconic, elevated "white off-road" vehicles designed for maximum visibility and crowd interaction. Visitors can view the very first white off-road open-air vehicle used by a pope—a 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser—as well as the rugged 1980 Fiat Campagnola and the legendary 1983 Land Rover Santana.
Embracing the Electric Future
While the exhibition is deeply rooted in history, it also points toward the Vatican's modern environmental initiatives. Alongside the classic landaulets and G-Class vehicles, the showcase highlights the papacy's shift toward sustainability, heavily featuring the first fully electric Popemobile: a specially configured Mercedes-Benz G 580 that entered official service in 2024.
Planning Your Visit to the Vatican
If you are planning a trip to Rome this winter, this is an absolute must-add to your itinerary. "A Century of the Popemobile" will be on display through January 31, 2027. Access to the glass pavilion is completely free and is conveniently included with your standard admission ticket to the Vatican Museums.
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