“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” recreates Michelangelo’s greatest artistic achievement: the ceiling frescoes of the Sistine Chapel in Rome that depict scenes from the Old Testament, including “The Creation of Man,” the downfall of Adam and Eve, and the “Last Judgement,” among others.
The exhibition, which promises to take visitors on an immersive journey, will open in St. Louis at America’s Center on Friday, Nov. 6. News of the exhibition came from Explore St. Louis during a news conference at America’s Center this morning.
The ceiling paintings were reproduced in their original sizes from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican using special expertise and care and state-of-the-art technology. The exhibit’s scale and presentation will allow visitors to experience the images at a closer distance than can be achieved in the Sistine Chapel, where the ceilings are more than 130 feet high and 46 feet wide.
Since the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is curved, the reproductions are as close to the original size as possible. The exhibit focuses on Michelangelo’s contributions to the chapel, which include key artwork from the ceiling and the “Last Judgement.” However, some of the bordering elements and other framing devices are not included as it was necessary to crop some of the images in order to fit them into the display design. The photographs featured in the exhibit were taken post-restoration of the ceiling; in some cases, the images were color-enhanced for consistency.
Michelangelo (1475-1564), considered to be the greatest artist of his lifetime, completed the Sistine Chapel frescoes in 1512, after four-and-a-half years of work. In addition to his Sistine Chapel masterpiece, the Italian Renaissance painter was also a sculptor, architect and poet. His other masterpieces include the Pietà and David sculptures, and the architecture of St. Peter’s Basilica.
“Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” opens at America’s Ballroom on the second floor of America’s Center in downtown St. Louis on Nov. 6 and runs through Jan. 10, 2021.
Limited admission to the venue, as well as other COVID-19 safety guidelines, including the wearing of masks, will be observed.
Hours of operation will be Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; tickets are $17.50 for adults, $10.50 for children ages 6 to 18, and free for children younger than 6. Senior, military and group discounts are available. For more information, click here
