Making Michelangelo’s greatest works accessible to cities across the world, this exhibition brings the world to Rome
By: Teresa Valenton
A lifesize print of Michelangelo’s “Punishment of Haman” stands on the right-hand wall of the Sistine Chapel exhibition. The scene narrates three episodes of the story with the crucifixion of Haman in the centre, with dramatized depictions of the story. (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture Magazine)
Attendees take a step up close to the Vatican at the travelling Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition, showcasing the grandiosity of Michelangelo’s works in the Sistine Chapel. Whether or not visitors have been to Rome, the globally successful exhibition has made its way to cities around the world.
From London to Shanghai, New York, Brisbane and Mexico City, many have stepped forward to immerse themselves in the rich history of these works.
Brought to life using special printing techniques, the exhibition displays each work set to size. Through high-definition photos, visitors are given an opportunity to observe the feel of the original pieces. Additionally, each image is accompanied by a QR code that gives attendees an in-depth explanation of each piece.
The travelling exhibition is stationed in countries around the globe. With overlapping exhibition times, cities such as Amarillo, Lisbon and Vienna welcome the photos. Upon entrance, visitors are met with a brief video that describes the history of the Chapel. They’re encouraged to gain a wider understanding of the exhibition by breaking down the importance of the works and learning the historical and biblical context of each piece.
History reaches thousands as over 34 reproductions of Michelangelo’s works are broken down into several sections, each curated to weave every painting into a common biblical theme, while the exhibition space narrates the Chapel through sub-categories.
The Stories of Genesis are displayed on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel exhibition. Michelangelo’s depiction of biblical scenes in the context of the Chapel drives viewers to further understand the importance of these works. (Teresa Valenton/CanCulture Magazine)
Notably, the Stories of Genesis are set in the order of the Chapel across the ceiling. Implemented into three sub-categories — “Creation of the Universe, dominated by God as the main figure,” “Creation of man and original sin, dominated by man and woman as the main figures” and “The fall and first rebirth of man through the stories of Noah” — attendees can begin to understand the narratives behind Genesis.
Other sections include “The Prophets and Sybils” and “The Ancestors of Christ.” Displayed in the original order of the Chapel in Rome, viewers are able to walk through the exhibition and take in each story at their own pace.
For an in-depth audio and visual experience, discover more about Michelangelo’s greatest works at the Sistine Chapel Exhibition on their website here.