Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Paintings Takes Center Stage Inside World Trade Center Oculus

There’s no need to travel to the Vatican to see Michelangelo’s ceiling of the Sistine Chapel—because you can see it up-close right here in New York City. For one month this summer, from June 23rd to July 23rd, you can head over to The Oculus at Westfield World Trade Center to see enormous photos of Michelangelo’s masterpiece at the exhibit Up and Close: Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel. Here’s a sneak peek:

The exhibit, presented by the Westfield Corporation, features 34 components of the painting selected to provide viewers with a sense of Michelangelo’s original paintings. It includes his especially famous pieces like The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment. What makes this exhibit unique is that viewers can see these works up close, rather than squinting at the work’s entirety from a distance. And if you want to learn more about the Sistine Chapel while you’re there, you can pick up an audio guide for $3.

Scott Sanders from Westerfield said the company wants this exhibit to “give viewers the chance to experience this artwork in an up close and intimate way.” And the exhibit certainly does just that. The photos of the frescos, taken by Austrian photographer Erich Lessing, are huge. Some are 11 feet tall, although this is nothing compared to the 4o x 40 foot photo of The Last Judgement.

After New York City, the Sistine Chapel is headed to other big cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and Seattle, with more destinations to be announced for 2018. Tickets are $15, and groups of 10 or more can get discounts.

Buy your tickets here.

Next, check out 21 Outdoor Art Installations Not to Miss in NYC in June 2017 and The Top 10 Secrets of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Get in touch with the author @sgeier97