Vatican Museums to host Popemobile exhibition

The Vatican Museums will host an exhibition titled “A century of the Popemobile” at the Square Garden from October 29, 2026, to January 28, 2027. The showcase will feature eight historical Mercedes-Benz vehicles used by various popes since 1930, alongside the 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is recognized as the world’s first automobile.

The exhibition traces the evolution of papal mobility, highlighting the shift from purely ceremonial transport to vehicles designed to increase the Pope’s visibility and proximity to the public. Notable vehicles include the 1930 Nürburg 460 Pullman provided to Pius XI, the 1980 Mercedes-Benz Model 230 G used by John Paul II, which featured a raised seat to allow crowds to see the Pope, and a 2012 ML 500 designed for Benedict XVI.

According to Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of the Mercedes-Benz Heritage department, modern papal vehicles must meet high security standards, including the use of bulletproof glass since 1981, to ensure safety during public appearances.