Michelangelo’s Masterpiece, Now In Manila

Revisit the Renaissance as the famed frescoes found in the Sistine Chapel have finally made its way to the Philippines.

Michelangelo’s world-renowned biblical works can now be seen closer than ever before. The 34 fresco paintings, all in their accurate sizes, are on exhibition at Estancia Mall in Pasig starting this July, and later in Cebu later this year in October.

Sabrina Co, a founding member of ATIN Global, which specializes in Philippine-made home fragrances, reminisced about the very first time she saw the exhibition back in Canada in 2021. Co recalls her enthrallment seeing the display up close. Inspired by the Vancouver showcase, her family was driven to bring it over to the Philippines.  

Co pointed out, “Not everyone has the opportunity to travel to the Vatican. By it being here, we are opening up this opportunity for people to see one of the greatest artworks of all time.” She also emphasized how the exhibit can also be an educational tool for students and art enthusiasts in the Philippines. 

The Exhibit Brings the Sistine Chapel to Eye-Level

SEE Global Entertainment heads the global touring exhibition, as CEO Martin Biallas explains the plan for the exhibit to give audiences a chance to get an eye-level look at Michelangelo’s art—something impossible to do when visiting the Sistine Chapel in person.

Biallas describes the setting, “By the time you get in [the Sistine Chapel] you only have 15 minutes to go in and out, and the frescoes are all the way up. There’s a lot of people. You cannot take any photos at all. They’re very strict about that.” 

Biallas further explained how he felt that there was a lack of personal experience when he went to the Vatican. He wanted to take his time appreciating the work – this sparked the idea to secure the licensing rights for the reproductions of the frescoes to put up exhibitions.

A Multi-faceted and Multi-sensory Experience

The showcase is immersive and multi-sensory. Almost all the senses are engaged. The viewing experience is complemented by the subtle scents of patchouli, sandalwood, and frankincense. Following along with the Renaissance theme, observers may notice ambient and era-appropriate music softly playing, which was specially curated by Marlon Chan, conductor of the Manila Symphony Orchestra. 

The art show is also lending its hand to charity. A portion of the proceeds from each ticket sale will be directed to Globe’s The Hapag Movement. The initiative’s goal is to bring together an ecosystem of partners that will help the fight against involuntary hunger. Another partner charity is the Philippine Red Cross’ National Blood Service Program.

Spectators of the show are also encouraged to download the Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel mobile app which offers audio guides that will give additional context to each painting. Just be reminded to bring your own pair of earphones or headphones.

On weekdays, adults can visit the exhibit for only P650 and P750 on the weekends. A Senior Citizen/Student/PWD discount may be applied (only available over the counter) for P500. For those who wanna skip the lines, a VIP Priority ticket goes for P950.

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Tickets are available over the counter at the exhibit or online via sistinechapelphilippines.com/ or smtickets.com.