Museum History

Holy Family School

The Jubilee Museum and Catholic Cultural Center was founded in 1998 by Father Kevin F. Lutz as a repository of Catholic art in the Diocese of Columbus. Since its conception ten years ago as a way to prepare for the Jubilee Year 2000, it has grown considerably to become the largest museum of diversified Catholic artwork in the United States.   In addition to its primary purpose of historic preservation, the Museum serves as an advisory and appraising institution, and has a large number of certified appraisers who regularly consult the museum for insurance and historic valuation. The Museum is listed in The Official Catholic Directory 2003, published by P.J. Kenedy and Sons. Our founder and curator, Father Lutz, was appointed by Pope John Paul II on May 13, 2000 as a Consulter to the Pontifical Commission for the Cultural Heritage of the Catholic Church. He was the first American to be so honored.  (In the years that followed, two American Cardinals were also appointed.)  This is the Pontifical Commission appointed by the Pope to oversee all the art of the Catholic Church throughout the world. Members are among the Roman curia. Among the thousands of guests to the museum has been two Vatican Cardinals- Francesco Cardinal Marchisano (twice) and Francis Cardinal Arinze, as well as EWTN host, Fr. Benedict Groeschel, C.F.R. The Jubilee Museum is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which relies 100% on the goodwill offerings of private benefactors.   

 

 

 

Pictured above: Holy Family High School c. 1948- future home of the Museum