Under the Heavens: An Exhibition Of Michaelangelo's Sistine Chapel Paintings is Touring The World - Arts & Culture

At the Vatican’ City’s Sistine Chapel, Michaelangelo’s frescoes would be at least 44 feet away from you. For a closer look, this exhibit is touring globally to showcase life-sized replicas of the masterpieces.

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The Sistine Chapel is home to the important mural works of renaissance artist Michelangelo. Annually, the historical Vatican site attracts six million visitors, which made Rome officials consider limiting the chapel’s daily guests in 2019. 

Given that the pandemic caused travel restrictions, immersive experience specialists SEE Global Entertainment launched “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” to display life-sized copies of the art internationally. The exhibit touring the world replicates the Italian artist’s masterpieces using a printing technique that “emulates the look and feel of the original paintings.” 

Up-close perspective

In the Vatican’s Sistine Chapel, tourists may only view the ceiling murals from afar. From the main floor, the mural is vertically 44 feet away. According to the exhibit’s website, it is one of the reasons why they’re offering the opportunity to observe the famous works in “up-close, life-sized, and never-before-seen” perspectives. 

“Why is [the exhibit] so unique? Well, you can see all these masterpieces that [Michaelangelo] did in five years. In five years, he did 33 frescos. And in another five years he [made] The Last Judgement,” says the CEO of SEE Entertainment Martin Biallas.“You can see them here up close and in their original sizes. So basically, you’re walking 10 to 15 feet under the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. And you get very close to these creations.

Intercontinental tour

The Volta della Cappella Sistina or Sistine Chapel ceiling was completed between 1508 and 1512. The mural includes the most famous creation of Michaelangelo titled “The Creation of Adam.” With the fresco being centuries old, the original paintings have become worn out by dust and scoot. Due to this, a 10-year-long comprehensive restoration was carried out to preserve Michelangelo’s treasured creations better (1980 to the 1990s).

As one of the world’s highly known and referenced paintings, “The Creation of Adam” symbolizes a portrayal of God and the human birth process.

The display is currently in North America after completing its European leg. Later this year, Michaelangelo’s frescoes’ replicas will visit Australia, Central and South America, and Asia (only in Shenzhen and Singapore).

Banner photo from @chapelsistine on Instagram.

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