Producing the replicas of the Vatican’s Holy Doors for the Saint John Paul II National Shrine in Washington DC was a true honor and privilege for ThemeWorks, Inc. In the Catholic faith, the doors symbolize the passage from sin to grace. Today, the Shrine explores the life of John Paul II from his birth in Poland to the beatification and canonization of this 20th century saint.
Utilizing digital scans created at the Vatican, ThemeWorks cast the doors in a durable faux bronze. Our artists slowly built up layers of patina to develop the depth and luster that characterize these touchstones of the Catholic faith.
PROJECT DETAILS
Project: Saint John Paul II National Shrine
Designer: Gallagher & Associates
Client: Design & Production, Inc.
Size: 16,000 square feet (1,486 m²) of exhibit space, Doors are 12′ (3.66m) tall
Photography: Studio MCM and LeGrand Photography
Scope of Work: ThemeWorks utilized digital scans of the actual doors in the Vatican to prepare a digital model. The doors, approximately 12′ (3.66 m) in height, were digitally sculpted in wax, then touched up by our sculpting team. The replica doors were cast in faux bronze and finished with layers of patinas and wax to develop the depth and luster found on the actual doors.