The global exhibit of the amazing works of Renaissance artist Michelangelo on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City as captured in high-definition photographs is making a stop in the Philippines.
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition will open for public viewing on the second floor, North Wing of the Estancia Mall, Capitol Commons, Pasig City, from July 1 to September 30, 2023.
Michelangelo is an Italian artist from the 16th century, whose renowned works include the famous sculptures, David and Pieta, and the famous paintings on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome—The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.
Replicating Michelangelo's classic arts through the ingenious use of cutting-edge technology, meticulous research, and precise reproductions, the exhibit “lifts the artist’s work off the Sistine Chapel’s ceilings” and brings it to eye level—allowing visitors to observe up close the divine figures, dynamic compositions, and expressive faces with newfound clarity and appreciation.
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Martin Biallas, founder and chief executive officer of SEE Global Entertainment, Inc., brought the exhibit to the Philippines in partnership with ATIN Global Inc.
Martin explains how they were able to replicate the Italian master’s artworks.
“You are looking at photographs. Important to mention is these are all post-restoration,” said Martin in a press launch last June 28, 2023.
“We have an exclusive license. There are no other post-restoration images available.
“And the Vatican has really restricted any photography after the restoration.
“Before, it was all... most of these frescoes were all faded and cracked and so forth.
“So, they put in a lot of effort for the restoration. So, these images, they're photos, obviously, but they're high-resolution photos that were done right after the restoration.”
The exhibit has been showcased the cities of New York and Los Angeles in the U.S., Shanghai in China, London in the U.K., Melbourne in Australia, and in Vienna, Austria.
Martin said, “I wanted to make sure I give this exhibition the biggest platform it can have in the world to [see it].
“A lot of people cannot afford [going to Italy]. And this is the closest that you can get to it.
“You're seeing something here that no other pope has ever seen from this perspective.”
Inside the exhibition, guests are immersed in a new era. Designed as a multi-sensory experience, the exhibition greets audiences with ambient Renaissance music specially curated by Manila Symphony Orchestra conductor, Marlon Chan.
The smell of the era even lingers throughout the halls, as the subtle scents of patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense are dispersed throughout the exhibit.
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Meanwhile, here are the rates for those who intend to visit the exhibit:
Adult (Weekday) - PHP 650
Adult (Weekend) - PHP 750
Senior/Student/PWD (only available over the counter) - PHP 500
Group Ticket (6 pax) - PHP 3,300
VIP Priority (Skip the queue) PHP 950
For further information, visit www.sistinechapelphilippines.com. Stay tuned for updates and announcements at Instagram and Tiktok @sistinechapelphilippines, as well as Facebook @chapelsistine.