Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni (1475 -1564), known worldwide simply as Michelangelo, remains one of history’s all-time best artists. The sculptures and paintings he created continue to be admired more than 500 years after his death.
Now at Ottawa’s EY Centre, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition explores one of the artist’s most significant works: the frescos painted on the ceiling and back wall of Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel.
Pope Julius II commissioned the Florentine artist to paint the Sistine Chapel when he was in his 60s. The exhibition begins with a short, entertaining video that describes a bit of the background, the obstacles, and the hardships Michelangelo would have endured during his almost four-year task.
At first glance, the exhibition might seem underwhelming, maybe even overhyped to some, but the bringing down from the vaulted ceiling to the level of mortal man makes this exhibition so appealing.
The exhibition area is not huge but allows time for deeper connections with each panel, an experience you would never get from a visit to the Sistine Chapel. In addition to being wonderfully accessible, it’s an excellent learning opportunity; each painting has displayed text explaining the biblical context in English and French. A QR code for audio explanations enables visitors to understand the scene in each panel while recognizing the origins of many popular given names still used today.
Seating throughout the exhibition allows viewers to pause and take the time to appreciate each panel. The crowning glory of the exhibition is appreciating the Creation of Adam up close and, of course, The Last Judgement.
Michelangelo’s frescoes that adorn the Sistine Chapel will remain a must-see for art lovers but for those not planning to travel to Rome or for anyone who loves art and like a close look at these great works, Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition is a worthwhile experience. It’s also a reprieve from Xmas markets and craft bazaars!
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition runs until January 22, 2023.
Tickets are $32.02 for adults and $27.57 for seniors (prices include tax and fees) and can be purchased in advance from this link: www.showpass.com/o/sistine-chapel
