An hours-long flight across the Atlantic just became a quick drive to Tysons for those who want to experience the wonder of the Sistine Chapel. Starting January 28, NoVA residents can visit Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition at the Tysons Corner Center for an immersive, life-size replica experience of the famous ceiling paintings. Those who wish to check out the replica of the artist’s work will have until February 27.
The exhibition, which has made its way across the globe, is created using licensed high definition photos that allows guest to view the paintings from a new perspective. Instead of gazing from a distance at the Sistine Chapel ceiling, visitors can walk up and closely inspect each image of Michelangelo’s 34 Sistine Chapel paintings.
A special printing technique that replicates the look and texture of the original paintings gives ticket holders the opportunity to see the artist’s work as if they were in Vatican City themselves, as opposed to a Tysons shopping mall.
Guests might also find the exhibition reminiscent of other innovative artistic exhibitions, like Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which is staying in Washington, DC through March. This trend of immersive exhibitions has been on the rise within the past year. Both Mexico City’s FRIDA, a visual experience of Frida Kahlo, and the Toronto-based Beyond Monet, an exhibition of the works of Claude Monet, indicate a worldwide interest of seeing famous artistic works up close and personal.
What differentiates Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition from these other visual experiences is that rather than use a projection, creators have used photography and printing methods to bring the art to guests.
Stretching from floor to ceiling, each image is accompanied by informative signage. Audio guides are available for additional purchase. Given that it is a walk-through exhibition, there is limited seating at the Tysons Corner Center venue — though it is wheelchair accessible. On-site and street parking are available.
The self-paced, hands-free visit takes about 60-90 minutes to completely experience. Local COVID safety protocols remain in place for the venue, and face coverings are required regardless of vaccination status. All ages are welcome, with adult ticket prices starting at $19. The hours run Wednesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Tickets, which are available in half-hour time slots, are already sold out through January. They are available for purchase online on the Fever website and are nonrefundable. VIP ticket holders are able to skip the lines and receive a poster in addition to exhibition access. It’s recommended that guests arrive at the time listed on their ticket, or they may be asked to wait.
For more stories like this, subscribe to our Things to Do newsletter.
