Sistine Chapel large-scale photo exhibit coming to Ross Park Mall

Oct. 14—Michelangelo's frescoes on the ceiling of Vatican City's Sistine Chapel are regarded as one of the major accomplishments not only of Western art, but of all Western civilization.

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to make a trip to Rome to see them in person.

"Travel is expensive, travel can be difficult. It's not an option for everyone, so it's nice when something this unique and iconic comes to your own back yard," said Eric Leong, senior producer of a traveling exhibition featuring 34 reproductions of the Renaissance artist's work.

"Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition" is coming to Pittsburgh's back yard, showing through Jan. 22 at Ross Park Mall.

Presented by SEE Global Entertainment and CBF Productions, the exhibition features museum-quality, near-life-size, photo reproductions of the renowned frescoes arranged in a gallery-like setting.

The images include scenes inspired by the Bible, including the famous "Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment," depicting the second coming of Christ and God's final judgment of humanity.

"The nice thing about our show is that it gives you almost the perspective Michelangelo had when he was painting it, to be that close," Leong said. "The art is so impressive and so big, and I don't think people get that sense of scale by seeing it in a photo or a book. And even if you're in the actual chapel, it's 60 feet above you."

Leong has traveled with the exhibition since it was introduced seven years ago and said he is still awed by it.

"I see new details every time I set it up. I always take the time to walk it on my own, putting myself in the shoes of the visitor and saying, 'What am I seeing here?'" he said. "I always try to look for something new, and almost inevitably, I find it."

No rush

The exhibition was conceived by Martin Biallas, CEO of Los Angeles-based SEE Global Entertainment, after he viewed the original.

"When I visited the Sistine Chapel in Rome, there were long lines, and we were rushed through," he said. "This exhibit in Pittsburgh will allow everyone an opportunity to see the amazing art at their pace and up close."

The images are silicone-edged graphics, printed on a special fabric with silicone seams sewn into the edges that allow them to be stretched tight across aluminum frames, Leong said. They're illuminated by gallery-style track lighting and accompanied by signage describing each one.

The images reproduce photos taken after the frescoes were restored during the 1980s and '90s. In some cases, the colors have been enhanced. In some instances, "The Last Judgment" is depicted both pre- and post-restoration to illustrate differences in color, clarity and quality.

"The purpose of the show is not only to give people a unique perspective they can't get in Rome, but also to allow them as much time as they want to enjoy the art," Leong said. "You want to spend two hours in front of the 'Creation of Adam,' you can do that.

"No one will rush you out unless the doors are closing at the end of the day."

Each ticket includes an audio guide that can be downloaded to a phone or other electronic device. Narration is available in English, Spanish or French.

"It contains about an hour of additional content that completes the experience, and it's told in a fun, informative manner," Leong said.

While patrons are encouraged to download the audio link when buying a ticket, event staff is available on-site to help with the process if needed, he added.

In addition to the Sistine Chapel exhibition, SEE Global Entertainment has produced other international touring exhibitions based on pop culture, sports, arts and sciences with subjects including television shows like "Star Trek" and "I Love Lucy," movies like "Titanic," King Tut, the street artist Banksy and the National Football League.

Timed-entry tickets for "Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition" at Ross Park Mall are available at chapelsistine.com.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .