Gianni, the head of security for the Vatican Museums, recently made a rare visit to the museum complex, which is home to one of the world’s most significant art collections. His journey took him from the grand Bramante staircase to the gallery of Geographical Maps, both of which are typically visited by thousands of tourists during the day. However, in the early hours of the morning when Gianni conducted his visit, the museums were eerily quiet, with only the sound of his keychain to disrupt the silence.
Gianni, a Roman in his fifties, has been working at the Vatican Museums for 25 years. He takes great pride in his role, which includes managing a set of keys numbering in the thousands. The keys unlock the doors of the museum’s galleries, each filled with marble sculptures, Roman antiquities, and Renaissance paintings. Gianni’s responsibilities extend beyond unlocking the galleries in the morning; he also supervises a team of ten assistants, referred to as “keyboards,” who help to open over 270 doors every day.
Among his collection of keys, Gianni carries a few of particular importance. One of these keys dates back to 1771 and opens the Pio-Clementino museum. Others, marked with a yellow label, are used during the conclave to seal the doors of the rooms where the cardinals gather to elect a new pope. The most precious key, however, is the one that grants access to the Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s frescoes.
Gianni’s morning rounds have become less solitary in recent years. The Vatican Museums now offer a VIP ticket that allows small groups of visitors to join Gianni on his early morning tour. This unique experience offers visitors an intimate view of the museums before they open to the general public.
Gianni’s journey with the Vatican Museums began in 1998. Over the years, he has witnessed the evolution of the museums and has had the privilege of working under three popes. Despite the changes and the passage of time, Gianni remains passionate about his role and the rich history that the museums hold.
