Just four more days left to see more than 200 works of art from St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Swiss Guard that have been at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul since Sept. 27. Monday night, they'll start boxing them up, very carefully, for the trip back to Rome.

By all accounts, Vatican Splendors comprises an impressive collection of art and artifacts. I haven't seen the collection yet, but it got two folded-hands up from son Andrew, who attended on a school trip, and mother-in-law Ruth Kramer who came with a group from Adams, Minn.

Highlights: Michelangelo's compass and tools used in the building of the Sistine Chapel; works by Bernini, Giotto, Guercino and others; artwork dating back to the third century; venerated relics (bone fragments) of Saint Peter; the pastoral staff of Pope John Paul II and items from the election of Pope Benedict XVI, including election ballots, a ceremonial vestment and an actual white smoke cartridge used to announce the election of the pope.

Last days are today (Friday) 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday and Monday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Ticket prices range from $13 to $20, with discounts for members.

So far the exhibit has attracted more than 100,000 visitors, the most ever for a traveling event at the History Center. Monday night, after closing, they'll start the week-and-a-half job of packing up.

The next big exhibition coming into that space is Minnesota's Greatest Generation, a look at the folks who lived through the Depression, fought World War II and sparked the post-war economic boom. (They're bringing in a tank and an airplane fuselage for this one, which opens in May.)

More details and directions to the History Center are here.