On this day in history, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome, one of Italian artist Michelangelo’s finest works, was exhibited to the public for the first time. The opening coincided with All Saints' Day, the solemn holy day of the Roman Catholic Church that is dedicated to the saints of the Church – that is, all those who have attained heaven.
Today, on All Saint’s Day 2016, the doors to Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition will reopen in Dallas through Jan. 8, following reviews that have called the exhibition “enjoyable … it's bright, bold, and overwhelming” and “an innovative interpretation of the timeless masterpieces.”
The extension is in response to the public and critical acclaim of the exhibition that brought in more than 50,000 views up close to some of the most famous images in the history of Western Art during the 2016 State Fair of Texas.
About the frescos
Michelangelo’s epic ceiling frescoes, which took several years to complete, are among his most memorable works.
Between 1508 and 1512, under the patronage of Pope Julius II, Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling, the masterpiece without precedent that was to change the course of Western art. Central in a complex system of decoration featuring numerous figures are nine panels devoted to biblical world history. The most famous of these is The Creation of Adam, a painting in which the arms of God and Adam are stretching toward each other. In 1535, Michelangelo returned and painted The Last Judgment for Popes Clement VII and Paul III.
About the Exhibit
Martin Biallas, CEO of Los Angeles–based firm Special Entertainment Events Inc., obtained photographs of the Sistine taken by Austrian-born Magnum photographer Erich Lessing during the 1980–94 cleaning and restoration of the chapel. The now enlarged images, exhibited on 16-foot brilliantly illuminated panels, with outstanding resolution, clarity and color, will continue to be displayed at the Women’s Museum at Fair Park through Jan. 8, 2017. The exhibit will move to New York City after the Dallas engagement.
Highlights of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibit, co-produced by Beau Ioana of Giobeau Productions and Dallas-based Rafael Luna of Strategic Events, include an intimate look at The Creation of Adam and a 40x41-foot rendition of The Last Judgment. Also available is a fully narrated audio tour (available in English and Spanish) that provides narrative and insight behind each and every panel on display.
Future programming will include lectures, cafe conversations, and holiday-themed events. Unique gifts and merchandise will be for sale on-site throughout the engagement. More information is available at www.chapelsistine.com.
Hours and Pricing:
Nov. 1, 2016 through Jan. 8, 2017 – Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Tickets for adults – $16 each
Children 7+/Students with ID/Seniors – $12 each
Family 4-packs – $45 per family
Groups of 10+ – $10 per person
All Children 6 and under – free admission
Audio guides available at Box Office for $2 per person *
* School and faith-based group pricing will include audio tours free of charge.
The Women’s Museum building is located at 3800 Parry Avenue, Dallas, Texas, 75226 (map). Parking is available outside the fair grounds on the west side of the Music Hall at Fair Park through Gate 3.