Who designed the baldachin in St. Peter's Basilica?

Gian Lorenzo Bernini designed the baldachin in St. Peter’s Basilica.

Known in Italian as the Baldacchino di San Pietro, the immense bronze canopy stands above the high altar at the crossing of the basilica, directly beneath Michelangelo’s dome. Its purpose is both practical and symbolic: it marks the traditional location of Saint Peter’s tomb and gives a monumental focus to the papal altar.

Pope Urban VIII commissioned the work, which Bernini began in 1623 and completed in 1634. The structure combines architecture and sculpture through four twisting bronze columns, a curving canopy, gilded details, angels, and Barberini bees associated with the pope’s family.

Francesco Borromini and other artists assisted with parts of the project, which sometimes causes confusion about authorship. Borromini may have contributed drawings and technical ideas, but Bernini is the canonical designer and the artist chiefly responsible for the finished work.