While visitors to the Vatican Museums in Rome can marvel at Michelangelo’s famous frescoes only from afar, a new exhibit at the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota, offers viewers the opportunity to observe these masterpieces up close — in the form of reproductions.
The internationally acclaimed exhibit, “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition” is an immersive presentation of 34 museum-quality, near life-size reproductions of the frescoes that adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, including “The Creation of Man” and “The Last Judgment.”
This exhibition illustrates the comprehensive restoration work that was done in the 1980s and 1990s on the 500 -year-old masterpieces, and it is designed to give visitors a closer look at the monumental paintings.
Guests also are able to enhance their experience by adding an optional audio guide, available in four languages. The audio guide is available to listen from a smart phone.
“We are thrilled to bring this exhibit to Mall of America for guests to enjoy a safe and immersive exhibit experience,” Jill Renslow, executive vice president of Mall of America, said in a news release. “This exhibit will provide a unique, cultural opportunity for Mall of America visitors of all ages throughout the holiday season.”
The exhibit will follow all safety protocols for in-person events established by the Centers for Disease Control, the Minnesota Department of Health and Mall of America to promote the safety of all guests, including required masks and social distancing, the release noted.
Located on Level 2 of the north atrium, the exhibit launched Nov. 13 and runs through Jan. 31, 2021. Tickets are $19; $14 for seniors, members of the military and college students. Children 6 and under are free. Visitors can buy tickets in advance or at the door.
The exhibit was produced by Los Angeles-based SEE Global Entertainment. For more information and to buy tickets, visit chapelsistine.com.
Pictured above, visitors tour Michaelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Exhibition. The exhibit has traveled to cities across the U.S. and countries around the world, including China, Poland, Germany, Austria, Panama and Columbia. (Photo courtesy of SEE Attractions and Bridgeman Images)