Vaults of Heaven: Sanctuaries of Byzantium
Presented by The World Monuments Fund

Wednesday, April 26 – Friday, July 28, 2006
Gallery hours: 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm (Tuesday-Friday)

World Monuments Fund Gallery at the Prince George
15 East 27th Street, (between Madison and Fifth Avenues),
New York, NY 10016

Free admission

The Moon and Stars Project, in collaboration with the American Turkish Society, is proud to support The World Monuments Fund's presentation of Vaults of Heaven: Sanctuaries of Byzantium, an exhibition of 30 large-format color photographs of some of the greatest examples of Byzantine architecture. Captured by the renowned Turkish photographer and architect Ahmet Ertug, the striking images reveal in astonishing detail the extraordinary churches and sanctuaries of ancient Byzantium, illuminating such venerated sites as Istanbul's Hagia Sophia and the Church of Christ in the Chora Monastery (today the Kariye Museum). Showcasing WMF's ongoing efforts to conserve and protect these fragile treasures, Vaults of Heaven also explores the sacred spaces of Byzantine cave churches in Cappadocia, a region of great architectural diversity and artistic wealth.

Trained as an architect, Ertug brings to his work a deep understanding of history and culture together with an artist's eye for great beauty and design. His remarkable photographs, some over six feet high, are printed in rich, glowing color, and offer viewers a close-up, insider's look at the great domes, towering dimensions, ingenious structural elements, and exquisite mosaics and tiles of these sacred spaces, seen through the lens of this extraordinary photographer. Ertug transforms the experience of viewing into experience itself.

Founded in 1965, the World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the foremost private international organization dedicated to the preservation of endangered architectural and cultural sites around the world. From its headquarters in New York City-and offices and affiliates in Paris, London, Madrid, and Lisbon-WMF works with local partners and communities to identify and save important heritage through innovative programs of project planning, fieldwork, advocacy, grant-making, education, and on-site training. To date, WMF has helped save historic structures at more than 400 sites in over 80 countries.

Our special thanks to Riccardo Salmona, Martha Flach, Holly Evarts, Caryn Lewi, The World Monuments Fund.