“Michelangelo: A Different View” at Columbus Convention Center

© Zachary Culpin/Solent News | photo provided by Greater Columbus Convention Center/ASM Global

You may not have a chance to visit the Sistine Chapel anytime soon, but you can get a taste of the amazing art of Michelangelo in Columbus. “Michelangelo: A Different View” is a exhibition that displays Michelangelo’s world-famous work up close at the Columbus Convention Center from December 22, 2021 – January 23, 2022. 

Get access to view the artist’s magnificent paintings which adorn the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican.

©Michael Schäumer | provided by Greater Columbus Convention Center/ASM Global

This is the only exhibition showcasing the entire set of works and is officially licensed by the Vatican Museums. With 45+ pieces, including the Last Judgement and the Creation of Adam, this experience will allow you to see reproductions of the elaborate paintings of the Florentine master up close and without time constraints, so you can take in the detail and beauty of these masterpieces.

Even if you’ve been fortunate enough to view the originals in the Sistine chapel, this exhibition will show the images at eye-level instead of looking up to the ceiling. You’ll be able to have a different view of Michelangelo’s masterpieces than ever before.

©Michael Schäumer | provided by Greater Columbus Convention Center/ASM Global

The art of Michelangelo: A Different View

Under the license of the Vatican Museums, the images were reproduced and transferred to special fabric webs. This technique allows a true-to-life reproduction and gives a glimpse of the works, which, apart from Michelangelo, has so far been given to only a few people.

The so-called Quattrocento frescoes have adorned the walls of the Sistine Chapel since the 15th century. As an addition to – and to complete – the exhibition “Michelangelo – A DIFFERENT VIEW“, these impressive frescoes await visitors in the entrance.

The scenes from the life of Jesus and that of Moses painted by Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Cosimo Rosselli provide additional historical background and allow for a deeper insight into this epoch. These are the works that Michelangelo encountered before starting work on the vaulted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.

©Michael Schäumer | provided by Greater Columbus Convention Center/ASM Global

Tickets for Michelangelo: A Different View

Tickets are just $10 for children, and $17 for adults. Or you can purchase a 4 pack of General Admission tickets for just $11.25 each. Reservations required; no sales at the door. Purchase tickets here. 

Open Tuesday-Sunday from 10 am – 7 pm. Closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and Martin Luther King Day

Tips for visiting

There is an audio tour available via cellphone which will explain the exhibits. While headphones aren’t required, we recommend you bring some as it makes it easier to hear about the paintings without distractions. A paper-based tour is available as well, which I preferred. 

Also note that the exhibits aren’t displayed in the order of the numbers on the tour. You will either need to skip around on the tour guide as you walk through, or walk around to find the next group of numbers. 

Neither one of these things take away from the experience, but they seemed worth noting.

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