Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel comes to life-size display in Houston, now through Sept. 3
July 10, 2018
Onlookers view reproductions of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel frescoes on display at The Corinthian in downtown Houston. The exhibit runs through July 31. Photo by James Ramos/Herald.
🡺 BUY TICKETS HERE 🡸
Use promo code: ARCHGH for $5 off admission
AT A GLANCE
Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition
Where: The Corinthinan, 202 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77002.
When: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 7 p.m. Open through Sept. 3.
Phone: 713-222-2002
Tickets: Website
Tips: Use promo code ARCHGH for $5 off admission. Corinthian entrance off Fannin Street. Public parking garages available off Congress. 3-hour street parking available.
HOUSTON — Deep colors and sweeping Scriptural scenes soar through the ceiling and walls of downtown Houston’s Corinthian's Grand Hall, bringing Rome to Texas in an exhibition of Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel reproductions through Sept. 3.
The 34 panels, exhibited in the original sizes of the frescoes, were photographed with Vatican approval when the Chapel restoration occurred in Rome. Copies of the timeless masterpieces, being shown at 202 Fannin St., hang between huge white columns, marble and high ceiling, giving viewers the magnificence and grandeur of the original paintings.
Plush chairs and benches offer viewers several chances to sit and gaze upward at the installations that stretch throughout the building. Available audio guides offer a narrated experience of the exhibit.
Starting with the Genesis scenes of the Creation of Adam, the exhibit flows to the Temptation in the Garden of Eden and Noah and the Ark. The culmination comes with the Last Judgment as Jesus burst forth from the clouds and people are being sorted for heaven and hell.
In one chilling aspect, a naked man floating upside down is being pulled up by his legs by two angels struggling to raise him while a demon has the man’s arms pulling him closer to a gaping hole filled with fire.
A previous director said this is the first time that the exhibit has come to Houston after stops in Canada, the World Trade Center in New York, Berlin and China, among other tours.
“The beauty of the artwork appeals to all, but we hope specifically that the Catholic community comes to see the exhibit,” the director said.
An Italian bistro will be open during exhibition hours offering Italian coffee and other beverages, gelato, and a variety of lunch items. Tickets for “Michengelo’s Sistine Chapel” are $20 per adult; $15 for children and seniors; and $10 for students. Use promotional code: “ARCHGH” for a $5 discount off admission.
The exhibition is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.chapelsistine.com, or call 713-222-2002.