[nonomous]

Interesting comments, thanks.

While stationed in Germany during the mid 70s, I visited Turin. The Shroud was on public display and I got to walk-by and view it. A very impressive sight. Highly recommended.

[irish guard]

Since arriving in Turin in 1578, the Shroud has only been displayed a few times each century (see the Shroud History page). Both reasons you stated are probably correct. Security is always a problem with the Shroud. For example, there is strong belief by the authorities in Turin that the April 1997 fire in the Chapel, Cathedral and Royal Palace was intentionally set by an arsonist. In 1978, during a 5 week exhibition, 3.5 million visitors flocked to the city to view the cloth. Organizing such events is always a problem. Most importantly however, exposing the cloth to polluted air and UV light during an exhibition can damage the cloth and the image as well. Even though the Shroud is now stored in a specially designed container to protect and preserve it, too much exhibiting may create serious long term conservation and preservation problems. The next public exhibition is scheduled in the year 2025