One of the world's greatest ever artworks can now be viewed in Manchester - with the opening of an acclaimed exhibition dedicated to Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel paintings.
The new exhibition opens to the public on Friday inside a huge unit at Trafford Palazzo, the former Barton Square next to the Trafford Centre.
It showcases Michelangelo's renowned ceiling frescoes from the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, reproduced as vast photographs and displayed in their original size - so visitors can get a true feel of the huge scale of the artworks up-close and personal.
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Guests will also get to learn all there is to know about 16th century artist Michelangelo’s incredible life and how he created the staggering artistic achievement, at the exhibition which has been wowing audiences in cities across the world and is opening in Manchester for the first time.
As anyone who has visited the actual Sistine Chapel in the Vatican City (pre-Covid times) will tell you, visiting the real thing involves a very long queue to get in, huge crowds inside as you view the majestic chapel and artworks, and photography is strictly banned.
His own experience at the Sistine Chapel is what motivated the exhibition's founder, Martin Biallis of SEE events, to create an interactive exhibition where people could spend time admiring the artworks while also snapping selfies with some of the world's most famous artistic creations of biblical stories.
Organisers here in Manchester say numbers will be strictly limited to avoid any kind of overcrowding, with tickets booked in time slots spaced throughout the day, opening at 10am to 6pm Wednesdays to Sundays until March 27.
The frescos are displayed as 34 reproductions on 16-foot panels through the exhibition, which gives details of each work, including the iconic Michelango depiction of The Creation of Adam.
Visitors will walk through the paintings as they would the Sistine Chapel itself, ending with The Last Judgment, which is the only work here in Manchester which is not replicated at its true size as in real life this covers the altar wall of the chapel at a towering 41 feet high.
The paintings have been brought to life using a special printing technique that emulates the look and feel of the original paintings, and visitors are given a chance to engage with the artwork in ways that were never before possible: seeing every detail, every brushstroke, and every colour of the artist’s 34 frescoes.
Each image is accompanied by informative signage, and audio guides are available to rent for a more in-depth experience.
How to get tickets
Entry is by timed tickets only to limit numbers, an you can book tickets online here while there will also be some availability on the door.
The entrace is through the main doors of Trafford Palazzo, opposite Primark, and close to the tram stop.
Prices vary depending on the intended date and time of your visit - but standard admission prices are from £11 for adults (age 13+), £8 for senior citizens, students and NHS, £8 for children aged 4-12, with under-4s going free.
You can also opt for VIP admission which offers queue jump and a free poster, from £14 for adults and £11.80 for concessions.
There are also family bundles available for two adults and two children that work out from £6.90 per ticket.
The attraction will be open Wednesday to Sundays from 10am and last entry at 6pm until Sunday, March 27.
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