For the Jubilee of Hope, an innovative art installation has brought new life to one of the most historic symbols of the Church: the bell of St. Peter’s Basilica. American artist Bill Fontana’s work, The Silent Echoes of a Great Sound Sculpture, offers a spiritual experience unlike any other, inviting pilgrims to hear the bell’s “silent echoes” through a soundscape that maps its resonant frequencies. The installation was premiered on the night of February 16, 2025, during the Notte Bianca — a “White Night” celebration marking the Jubilee of Artists.
Fontana’s installation transforms the sound of the Campanone, the largest of St. Peter’s six bells, into an immersive auditory experience. Cast in 1786 by the silversmith Luigi Valadier, the Campanone weighs nearly nine tons and stands over eight feet tall. Its resonant sound, captured using advanced sensors, is amplified and made audible to visitors as they walk through the basilica’s Holy Door. As Fontana explains, “Latent in the physical structure of everything, are resonant frequencies… I began to explore this phenomenon using high-resolution vibration sensors called accelerometers” (Fontana, 2025).
This cutting-edge technology reveals the normally inaudible internal vibrations of the bell, creating a deeply immersive auditory experience. According to the Vatican press release, the installation “will accompany [pilgrims and visitors] on their spiritual journey” at St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing them to connect with the sacred sound of one of the Church’s most iconic bells in a new and profound way.
The soundscape is expected to continue playing daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. throughout the Jubilee of Hope in 2025. Visitors will be able to experience this sacred art installation alongside other special events, including live cello music and a basilica bathed in blue light. These events are part of the broader Jubilee of Artists and the World of Culture, a celebration of the intersection between faith and creativity.
This installation follows Fontana’s earlier project in 2022, when he captured the sound of the Emmanuel bell at Notre Dame Basilica in Paris. Like that project, Fontana’s work at St. Peter’s is not just a sound installation but a profound reflection on the spiritual power of sacred objects, bringing new life to ancient traditions. “Using state-of-the-art sensors and a sophisticated audio system, the internal vibrations… have been captured, amplified, and transformed into a deeply immersive auditory experience” (Vatican press release, 2025).
As pilgrims experience the sound of the Campanone in a way never before possible, they are reminded of the Church’s rich history, the power of sacred objects, and the spiritual journey that connects all believers. This art installation invites reflection on the silent echoes that resonate within the walls of St. Peter’s, a Church that stands as a beacon of faith and hope to the world.
Pope Francis, who was unable to attend some of the events in person due to a respiratory illness, sent a message to artists during the Jubilee of Artists. He called them to engage in a “revolutionary vision of the Beatitudes,” urging them to “reveal the truth, goodness, and beauty hidden within the folds of history, to give voice to the voiceless, to transform pain into hope” (Vatican press release, 2025). In this spirit, Fontana’s installation serves as a powerful reminder that beauty and truth can emerge even from the silent echoes of the past, bringing hope and healing to all who listen.
As the Jubilee of Hope unfolds, The Silent Echoes of a Great Sound Sculpture will stand as a testament to the Church’s enduring commitment to creativity, reflection, and spiritual renewal.
