Sistine Chapel reproductions coming to Christchurch

Under licence from the Vatican Museums, “Michelangelo – A Different View” will be presented at Te Pae, Christchurch’s convention and exhibition centre. The exhibition is being brought to the city by The Stetson Group. Similar events ran in Auckland in 2018 and Wellington in 2025.

The exhibition features 50 reproductions, including an almost original-sized 4.9m by 22m reproduction of The Genesis and a 5.4m by 5.4m version of The Last Judgement, positioned just 1-2m from viewers, who will be able look down on them, rather than up, as in the chapel in the Vatican.

Visitors can also view reproductions of 14 additional frescoes. Scenes from the lives of Jesus and Moses, painted by Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, Domenico Ghirlandaio and Cosimo Rosselli, provide historical context and offer a deeper insight into the era.

Ross Steele, general manager at Te Pae Christchurch, said the venue was “proud” to host the exhibition.

“We’re proud to welcome this extraordinary Michelangelo exhibition to Te Pae Christchurch this summer, offering visitors a rare opportunity to experience one of history’s greatest artistic legacies in an immersive and contemporary way,” Mr Steele said.

“Hosting globally significant cultural experiences like this reinforces Christchurch’s position as a vibrant, world-class destination for arts, culture and events.”

FULL STORY

See Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes up close at Te Pae Christchurch (New Zealand Herald)