Vatican Observatory Foundation

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Vatican Observatory Foundation

The Vatican Observatory Foundation licensing program has been inspired by centuries-old traditions and offers an unprecedented brand lifestyle licensing opportunity as the only licensing program to carry the imprimatur of the Vatican Observatory Foundation.

Faith       Tradition       Inspiration       Science & Discovery

The new licensing program, inspired by the centuries old traditions of The Vatican Observatory, offers an unprecedented brand lifestyle licensing opportunity. Licensees will have the ability to incorporate elements of art, architecture, sculpture and historical artifacts found in principal sites in Rome and throughout the world to create quality products inspired by spirituality and religious tradition.

Powerful Brand + Massive Market

A multicultural market totaling over one billion worldwide, the Catholic faith is the world's single largest religious body, including a community of over 79 million fai thful in the United States – more than 25% of the entire American population!

'Truly the universe is for all persons and the Vatican Observatory is an observatory for the Universe.' George Coyne, S.J. – Director, Vatican Observatory

The spirituality and artistry of the Vatican Observatory Foundation licensed products will also appeal to the broader market of the faithful. Each item will include the Vatican Observatory Foundation's seal of approval, i.e., a certificate of provenance and/or authenticity, identifying the source of its inspiration and adding to its educational value.

Product Attributes

  • Time-honored
  • Craftsmanship
  • Artistry
  • Beauty
  • Best-in-class
  • Evergreen

brand Attributes

  • Inspirational
  • Devotional
  • Historic
  • Scientific
  • Cultural
  • Celestial
  • Spiritual
  • Story-rich

Targeted Categories

The initial program will focus on gifts and collectibles, publishing, stationery, home décor, housewares and selected toys, as well as innovative lines of mobile phone apps, digital accessories, e-commerce, and payment solutions. In addition, the program will seek to incorporate an experiential component including vacation tours and museum and mall exhibits.

Current Licensees

  • The Bradford Exchange
  • Browntrout Publishers
  • Enesco
  • Eternal Image
  • Franklin Mint

A Nexus of Art, Religion and Science

The property is licensed under the authority of the Vatican Observatory Foundation, one of the world's oldest research institutions, with headquarters in Castel Gandolfo, Italy and a partnership with the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory, a world leader in astronomical observation.

The Vatican Observatory traces its roots to the reform of the calendar under Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 with the assistance of Jesuit scientists at the Roman College. The Vatican Observatory was officially founded by Pope Leo XIII in 1891 to support research in many areas of astronomy. Today, the Vatican Observatory Foundation continues to support this important work in scientific research and educational outreach at the interface of science and religious faith.

See more at vofbrand.com