Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel brings his large ceiling pictures down to eye level. This approach allows viewers to see all the extra details that the artist added to each story. Plus, he used a variety of techniques. We observed that some of the paintings were almost abstract contrasted by the use of bold colors and concise forms. This special exhibition invites you to step into the universe of Michelangeolo's masterpieces all seen from a totally fresh perspective. It is brought to you by CBF Productions the organizers of themed exhibitions such as: Star Trek, King Tut, Titanic, Frida Kahlo, Michael Jackson and more.

Michelangelo (1475-1564) was an Italian architect, painter, poet and sculptor whose work had a major influence on the development of Western art, particularly in relation to the Renaissance notions of humanism and naturalism. He is perhaps best known for painting the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. As the story goes, Michelangelo - who considers himself a sculptor - did not relish the project but was basically ordered by The Pope to paint and the end result was an expansive masterpiece.

In Nashville, you still had to look up to see some of the art work.

Michelangelo's canvas was over 500 square meters, depicting over 300 figures. He painted nine stories from the Book of Genesis to tell how God crafted the earth, created humankind and why people fell from God's grace. On the pendentives supporting the ceiling Michelangelo rendered twelve men and women who prophesied the coming of Jesus featuring seven men from Israel and five Sibyls who were prophetic women of the Classical world. Many years later Michelangelo portrayed The Last Judgment on the altar wall of the Sistine Chapel.

All this can be experienced at Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel. Other eye catching-eye level visions included the battle between David & Goliath, Jeremiah the weeping prophet, a distinctive spin on Haman's punishment along with God forming the moon and the sun that towered above us. Each panel had an explanation in both English and Italian which was helpful for those less familiar with Sibyls.

A selection of the many panels that were available for up close appreciation.

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel is located at 433 Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, Tennessee. Although the exhibit is in the mall you must access it from the outside between Chuy's Mexican Restaurant and Electronic Express. Per their website, hours are Thursdays through Sundays, 10am - 6pm (time slots available every half hour) and open to all ages. So come on down and experience Michelangelo in a whole new way from now until mid-December.

A classical music quartet added elegance to the opening night event.

Related Links: For more information on the SISTINE CHAPEL EXHIBIT and the other organizations mentioned please visit the following links - Sistine Chapel Exhibit