Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibit in NYC

I was agog when viewing Michelangelo’s “frescos” up close and personal in this current exhibition here in the Big Apple. Having been to Rome, I had previously visited the Sistine Chapel, and had been totally awestruck by the magnificence of the ceiling. However, it was very distant from my vantage point. The details in the paintings, escaped me. With this very special exhibition in New York City I was able to view each story at eye level. This exhibition drew me into one of Michelangelo’s greatest masterpieces, seen from a totally new perspective.

How are the frescos presented?

This state-of-the-art exhibit is within a very spacious area in Lower Manhattan. The paintings have been reproduced by using licensed high-definition photos. Michelangelo’s masterpieces are floor-to-ceiling reproductions of the original frescos, and are closer than ever. The clarity of detail and color of each fresco is truly amazing. Unlike other exhibits that rely on digital technology — which loses the artist’s point of view — these reproductions invite you to visually walk right into every unprecedented detail. I was totally engaged for two hours as I stopped in front of each fresco — there are 34 in all. The images have informative signage that are easy to read. I rented an audio guide, that was very easy to understand, which enhanced my understanding of each detail in the frescos.

The Sistine Chapel in Rome was painted between 1508 and 1512 in the fresco style. Michelangelo used wet paint on the freshly plastered walls and ceilings. Michelangelo finished his masterpiece somewhere between 1535 and 1541 with the The Last Judgment. (pictured on this blog).

Where is the exhibit and how long will it be there?

This current exhibit is located at 100 6th Avenue, NYC, just north of Canal Street. The subway is nearby. For ticket information go to: sistinechapelexhibit.com/new-york/

Whether you have been to the actual Sistine Chapel in Rome , or not, I highly recommend this truly unique exhibit. My one regret is that it is only here until sometime January 2022. Wouldn’t it be great if it were permanent?!

The Last Judgement