The infamous Columbus murals in the main building at Notre Dame were temporarily uncovered from Tuesday until Friday at noon this week.
The murals were painted by Vatican artist-in-residence Luigi Gregori between 1882 and 1884. Gregori also painted other artwork in the main building and in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The murals were covered in fall 2020, following an announcement by the University President Fr. John Jenkins in January 2019.
The murals in the main building depict the different stages of Columbus’ voyage to America in 1492, including the mutiny on the voyage, the sighting of land, his visit to the Spanish court and his death years later. Before the murals were covered, protestors described them as racist and outdated. The murals were originally painted to mark the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage and were meant to highlight the role of Catholics in the discovery of America.
Notre Dame’s website explains the murals were uncovered for “instructional purposes” so that teachers who use the murals in their courses can view them. The murals will be uncovered again from October 28 through November 1, as well as two yet-to-be-named times during the spring upcoming semester.
