Marcy MinianoBack in pre-pandemic times, thousands of travelling art history enthusiasts would make their way to Vatican City to see the Sistine Chapel ceiling. As most of you already know, its frescoes by Michelangelo are considered one of the greatest artworks of all time. But have you ever wondered what it’s like to see these up close — without having to crane your neck and all?
Fortunately, there are these Sistine Chapel exhibits by production company SEE Attractions Inc. Aptly titled “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition,” it boasts true-to-size, high-definition replicas of the Renaissance masterpiece in various parts of the United States.
All about these Sistine Chapel exhibits
The original Sistine Chapel frescoes in the Vatican. | Image credit: mistervlad via Canva Pro
Sure, nothing beats the real thing. But what sets these apart is the immersive experience they offer! You can also take photos of these as much as you want — unlike the original one, where you can’t take pics.
The Sistine Chapel exhibits feature licensed photos made with a printing technique that perfectly captures the look and feel of the original 34 frescoes. This includes “The Creation of Adam” and “The Last Judgment.” However, instead of being high up on ceilings, these replicas are showcased at eye level. This allows you to fully see the intricate details and brushstrokes of Michaelangelo’s magnum opus. How cool is that?
Each photograph also comes with information adjacent to it, as well as an audio guide that you can opt to rent for a fully optimised experience! Visitors can stay between 60 and 90 minutes to explore the exhibit.
Where you can catch this one-of-a-kind exhibit
“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” is currently open in Chicago, Illinois; San Antonio, Texas; and Charlotte, North Carolina. It is also set to open in Los Angeles in late August, as well as in New York City and San Francisco in September. Other US cities included in the itinerary are Miami, Boston, Philadelphia, and Detroit.
Tickets prices start at US$19.20 per adult and US$13.50 per child. For more details, we recommend checking out the official website.
Also read: This Immersive Van Gogh Exhibit Features Yoga Classes!
Thinking of visiting one (or two) of these Sistine Chapel exhibits in the near future? We’d love to hear about your experience afterwards!
Alternatively, if you’d rather do your art appreciation at home (for now), there are also some famous museums that offer virtual tours! For starters, check out these ones from the Louvre in Paris and the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam.
Featured image credit: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition | Official Website
