The daily digest of Twin Cities culture | Secrets of the City

EXHIBITS
Vatican Splendors

Whether you're religious or not, this new exhibit at the Minnesota History Center will surely enthrall. One of the largest collections of art, documents and historically significant objects from the Vatican to ever tour the U.S., Vatican Splendors features over 200 objects including holy bling like tiaras, papal rings and jewels, as well as gorgeous artwork, armor, precious objects from papal mass, and gifts to the pope from such notable figures as Napoleon and the Dalai Lama. "Rare, priceless, magnificent... words used to describe the Minnesota History Center's fall exhibition, ‘Vatican Splendors,'" says Nina Archabal, director of the Minnesota Historical Society. "This is truly a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for Minnesotans to see some of the world's great treasures, some of which have never before been accessible to the public." So make a date to visit the History Center soon, as this stunning exhibit will only be around for a few fleeting months.

10am-5pm, Minnesota History Center, 345 Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, $20 Adults, $13 Children

MUSIC
Bucky Pizzarelli and Benny Green

Bucky Pizzarelli and Benny Green join forces yet again for a second round of duets at the Dakota Jazz Club. Hand picked by Dakota owner Lowell Pickett to play together for exclusive performances in early August, the duo had such chemistry they've partnered up again to bring you another riveting performance that unites the age gap. Jazz pianist Benny Green has been tinkling the ivories since he was a teenager, and now, at age 44 he's considered one of the hottest players in the game. It's really no surprise that this pairing with long-time seven- string guitar luminary, Bucky Pizzarelli, age 82, is such a masterful combination. Head downtown tonight to see these amazing artists make beautiful music together and while you're at it, enjoy some spectacular gourmet comfort food ala Chef Jack Riebel.

7pm, Dakota Jazz Club, 1010 Nicollet Avenue, Minneapolis, $20-$25


READING
Smart Cookie

Brighten up your Monday with a reading of the witty and wicked theatrical comedy, Smart Cookie, by Kendeda Graduate Playwriting Competition winner, Julia Brownell. As part of the Core Apprentice Program, the Playwrights' Center pairs up and coming writers with seasoned pros for mentorship, helping writers such as Brownell hone their fantastic talents. This evening's reading follows the antics of Upper East Side Manhattanite, Cookie Walsh, a strong woman with a perfect life, who is used to things going smoothly. So when her son brings home a Spanish exchange student and a big announcement, her world spirals out of control, proving that the power of surprise often unleashes the beast within.

7pm, Playwrights' Center, 2301 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, Free