Reproductions of Sistine Chapel art coming to Wellington

Under licence from the Vatican Museums, “Michelangelo – A Different View” will be presented at Tākina convention centre from December 22 to February 8.

More than 50 pieces will be featured, including a life-sized reproduction of “The Genesis”, which includes “The Creation of Man”, painted on the Sistine Chapel ceiling. In Wellington, attendees will be able to look down on “The Genesis”, rather than up.

The event comes complete with guided audio and allows visitors to admire the intricate detail of Michelangelo’s work, many from just two metres away – offering a far more intimate and comfortable viewing experience than the Vatican itself, where some 20,000 people queue daily for a glimpse. In Wellington, a 5.4-metre by 5.4-metre version of “The Last Judgment” is among the items that can be viewed.

The event will also feature scenes from the lives of Jesus and Moses, painted by Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Cosimo Rosselli.

Promoters Stewart and Tricia Macpherson of the Stetson Group said they are honoured to be able to present such a significant exhibition in Wellington this summer.

WellingtonNZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said: “Wellingtonians and visitors to our city will be able to take a step back in time at this awe-inspiring exhibition.

“As the nation’s creative heart, we’re proud to be supporting such a unique exhibit at Tākina, which combines centuries-old fresco masterpieces with modern-day technology to deliver the closest experience to the Sistine Chapel outside of Vatican City.”

The event, which is similar to one that ran in Auckland in 2022, is ticketed.

FULL STORY

MICHELANGELO – A Different View (Wellington City Council)

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