A touring experience that throws you into Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel opens in Boston today

Art lovers in Boston have a fresh reason to look up. "Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition," a touring show recreating the Renaissance master’s most famous frescoes at full scale, is now open at CambridgeSide, offering visitors a chance to experience the iconic works without boarding a flight to Rome.

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A global sensation, the exhibition's Boston stop is a limited run expected to draw both art devotees and casual culture seekers. Organizers say the experience is designed to bring viewers closer to the artwork than is possible inside the Vatican, where crowds and strict viewing rules limit how long guests spend with the paintings.

Using licensed, high-resolution photography and advanced printing techniques, the exhibition reproduces all 34 of Michelangelo’s ceiling and altar masterpieces in vivid detail, including "The Creation of Adam" and "The Last Judgment." Even better: These are all at eye level, letting you more closely zero in on the brushwork, color and composition. The exhibit also removes traditional museum barriers, letting guests photograph the artwork and move through the space at their own pace, creating a more accessible experience.

Touring exhibitions like this have surged in popularity in recent years, offering museum-style experiences in more casual, accessible environments. For Boston’s winter arts calendar, the show adds a blockbuster-style cultural option that bridges education and entertainment, potentially appealing to families, date-night crowds and serious art fans alike during its limited engagement.

The exhibition runs through May 10, Wednesdays through Sundays. Hours vary and general admission typically starts around $30, with discounted pricing available for seniors, students, military members and children, while VIP tickets add priority access and a souvenir guidebook. The show is housed on Level 2 of CambridgeSide, placing it within easy reach of public transit and dining options, making it a great add-on to a day exploring Cambridge or Boston. Early demand is expected to be strong, particularly around Valentine’s Day and spring break.

For more information and to see the full schedule, click here.