Raphael Court reopens at V&A after major renovation

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has reopened its Raphael Court after a comprehensive renovation timed for the 500th anniversary of Raphael's death in 2020. The space now features dark blue walls and LED lighting in the barrel-vaulted ceiling. The museum commissioned a detailed digital scan of the Raphael Cartoons, revealing original colors and details hidden under centuries of damage. The seven surviving cartoons—full-scale preparatory designs for tapestries commissioned by Pope Leo X for the Sistine Chapel—were created between 1515 and 1516 and delivered between 1519 and 1521. They were brought to London in the 17th century by Charles I and have been part of the Royal Collection. Queen Victoria lent them to the V&A in 1865, where they have been displayed ever since. The digital versions are available for visitors from May 19.