Have you always wanted to see the Sistine Chapel? Well, through August 23 at the Albany Capital Center you can save yourself the price of airfare to Italy and get an immersive experience of seeing Michelangelo’s masterpiece up close.
The Albany Capital Center in downtown Albany is hosting the Michelangelo - A Different Viewexhibition at the cost ranging from $8-$17. The exhibit includes about 50 images, Shannon Licygiewicz, General Manager at the Albany Capital Center told us in a recent interview.
“There are 50 images in total and you can really see that fine detail that comes through the printing process for this exhibit. In addition, the tour has offered a QR code that you can scan when you come in, giving you an audio guide that takes you through every single image you’re going to see,” she said about the exhibit that’s available 10am-6pm Sundays and Mondays or 10am-8pm Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Under the license of the Vatican Museums, the images were reproduced and transferred to special fabric webs. This technique allows true-to-life reproduction providing a glimpse of the works, which, apart from Michelangelo, has been given to only a few people, officials said.
The sculptor and painter Michelangelo spent four years of his life on scaffolding under the vaulted ceiling of the Sistine Chapel painting the most famous frescoes in the world with his interpretation of the history of creation. Prior to this, a simple starry sky had adorned the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. Faced by the challenges presented by the structural architecture, he developed revolutionary painting techniques, setting new standards for future generations of painters that are still recognized to the present day.
These elaborate reproductions of the paintings in the exhibition Michelangelo – A Different View allow visitors an intimate experience with the stunning frescoes of the Florentine genius which can usually be seen at a height of about 70 feet. The exhibition by no means attempts to reproduce the Sistine Chapel. Instead, it aims to provide observers with a view of Michelangelo’s technique which is still setting standards today. The experience also develops a very personal perspective of the depictions and intentions of the artist.
Shannon continued: “Our hope is that this is a catalyst for people to come and visit us. Not only to ACC but to step outside our doors, possibly going to the New York State Museum, or any of the other wonderful museums in our area. We really hope to spearhead people making a day of it. We’re excited to share this but we’re also excited to share Downtown Albany.” (For example, while you’re downtown you can also check out the recent installation of ten of Seward Johnson’s “Celebrating the Familiar” statues.)
Can't make it before August 23? You can see our 60-second video featuring the Michelangelo exhibit on the WMHT Public Media Instagram page!
If you go to Michelangelo - A Different View:
- Exhibit runs through August 23 (10am-6pm Sundays and Mondays, or 10am-8pm Thursday, Friday and Saturday)
- Head to this link to learn more and get tickets: www.albanycapitalcenter.com
- Price: $8-$17
- Bring a fully-charged smartphone or tablet to listen to the audio tour of the images
- Bring earbuds to better hear that tour