Priest’s collection of ‘old, rare and unique’ papal artifacts coming to Mall of America

CNA Staff, Oct 15, 2025 / 15:41 pm

A priest with a passion for historical artifacts has curated the largest collection of papal memorabilia outside of Rome — and the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis just announced it will be on display there this winter.

This winter, Catholics can head to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, where Father Richard Kunst’s collection will be available for viewing from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1, 2026, according to a recent archdiocesan announcement. 

Spanning 19,000 square feet, the “Vatican Unveiled” exhibit features “artistic items with old-world craftsmanship” as well as “papal artifacts that show the humanity behind the leaders,” according to an Oct. 13 press release from the archdiocese. 

"Vatican Unveiled", according to Archbishop Bernard Hebda, will be a “very special celebration — the 175th anniversary of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.”

“It is a special exhibit of the largest collection of papal and other artifacts outside of Vatican City, the home of the Catholic Church,” Hebda said in an Oct. 13 announcement. 

The collection of about 300 items includes artifacts such as Pope Pius XII’s radio microphone and a papal ring, as well as an extremely rare historical Swiss Guard uniform. 

For Kunst, who caught the collector’s “bug” in high school, the display is the culmination of years of collecting.

“The collection is always growing,” Kunst said in a press release.

He first began by collecting presidential autographs, but eventually sold his collection and turned to Catholic artifacts.

“I continue my search for old, rare, and unique papal items, from documents to papal clothing,” Kunst said. 

Kunst hopes to eventually donate the collection to the Church, “where it may be enjoyed forever,” he said. 

“In the meantime, I am happy to share my collection with the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis as they celebrate their 175th anniversary, and I welcome everyone to come see some interesting artifacts at Mall of America,” he said. 

Kunst’s collection has also been displayed in Duluth, Minnesota, his hometown, in 2022. 

The archdiocese currently has a ticket presale waitlist for the exhibit, where attendees “will experience interesting historical perspectives” and which “is open and welcoming to all,” the archdiocese said.