As soon as I heard the Sistine Chapel exhibition would be coming to LA, I knew that I had to go. The iconic art installation featuring Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican has officially made its way to LA for the first time. There is such an element of nostalgia for me and the Sistine Chapel. The first trip I ever took with my husband Kevin — more than 16 years ago — was through Italy, where we visited Rome, ate plenty of pizza and toured the Sistine Chapel on a hot, sweaty day.
Kevin listens to the audio tour intro to the Sistine Chapel Exhibition.
The exhibition sounded too good to pass up — a 10 minute drive from our home in Hollywood to its convenient location (near the Beverly Center). Plus, we’d get within inches of the artwork from the comfort of a fully air-conditioned space. Now only if we could find as good a pizza in LA as in Rome! Check out our journey as we take you inside the Sistine Chapel exhibition right now on display in LA.
What is the Sistine Chapel Exhibition? What Can We Expect?
This unique exhibition will allow you to step into the universe of the greatest masterpieces of Michelangelo, seen from a totally new perspective. The exhibit is from acclaimed producer Martin Biallas, who has brought together some other spectacular exhibitions including Star Trek, King Tut, Titanic, Frida Kahlo, Michael Jackson and others. We’ve had the opportunity to check out many of these other projects and were impressed by not just the visuals but the stories woven throughout.
Using a unique photo printing technique to reproduce the frescoes, the exhibit allows you to see details you’d never dream about experiencing in Rome where you’re staring up at the chapel’s ceiling, over 65 feet above you, with thousands of others.
Famous section of the Sistine Chapel ceiling is Michelangelo’s Creation of Adam
What we loved most about this exhibit is that you can go at your own pace, and during these socially distanced times, have plenty of space to wander around the artwork. Each entry also includes an audio tour. You simply scan the sign and the audio device will launch into the historical and religious importance of each piece of art.
The Last Judgement: A Must-See Work Of Art
Michelangelo’s Last Judgment is among the most powerful pieces in art. The work depicts the second coming of Christ and, although clearly inspired by the Bible, Michelangelo used his own imaginative vision. The picture spreads out from Christ in the center, but Michelangelo chose to depict the various saints holding the instruments of their martyrdom rather than the actual scenes of torture.
From the audio tour, we learned that Michelangelo didn’t consider himself a painter. So he was less than enthusiastic at the prospect of a multi-year painting project. But when the pope calls, I guess you take it on. Michelangelo even included a self-portrait in the fresco, with his face on the shredded skin held by Saint Bartholomew. Umm, subtle move Michelangelo! Something tells us he wasn’t exactly thrilled about this project.
Michelangelo’s face is on the shredded serpent skin held by Saint Bartholomew — the Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel
But probably our favorite fun fact from this visit was that the painting was subjected to some pretty serious censorship after Michelangelo’s death. The church thought it was more than just slightly risqué — with all the full frontal nudity — and had someone come in and paint underwear (or ever so carefully placed cloth) onto the fresco. Though I guess women’s breasts were completely okay since those were on full display. But hey, I guess nobody consulted us!
Wrapping it up: Sistine Chapel Exhibition
One thing you won’t want to miss is the video presentation about halfway through the exhibit. Now, full confession, I almost skipped this part completely. Let’s just say, my husband has been known to fall asleep on more than one occasion at a museum film. But this isn’t your dry, informational film. The PBS-shorts are fun and hilarious. Think of it as the history of the Sistine Chapel for dummies. Though, I’m definitely not calling my hubby a dummy (especially since he reads this blog!). It’s just a fun, animated history put in today’s context. We loved it!
The fun PBS-produced movie on the Sistine Chapel.
In total, we spent about 90 minutes wandering around the exhibit, including our time inside the theater where we watched the full movie presentation (well worth it). What a fun day out. Afterwards, you’re just a quick 5 minute walk to the Beverly Center where you can go shopping or pick up some snacks. We highly recommend the almond croissants from Pitchoun!
Inside the French restaurant Pitchoun!, just a quick 5 minute walk from the Sistine Chapel exhibition.
THE LOWDOWN
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The Sistine Chapel Exhibit is located at 333 S. La Cienega Blvd (right by the Beverly Center)
- Opening hours: Wednesdays–Sundays, 10am–6pm (time slots available every half hour)
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Tickets start at $19.20 per adult and $13.50 per child
- To purchase tickets, visit their booking page here
Looking for other ideas in LA? Be sure to visit all of our recommendations here, including 5 secrets spots in LA you (probably) never knew existed (but should!). Love pop ups? You’ll certainly want to read about our night going through the Madcap Hotel, an LA pop up experience like no other. Or our recent visit to experience immersive theater with Clue Live. Ever think about a LA staycation? Check out our ideas and itineraries for a fun weekend in downtown LA and read our feature on the hotel in downtown with the best views of Los Angeles.
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