Michelangelo exhibit comes to Albany Capital Center

A trip to Italy may not be in the cards right now, but people living in the Capital Region still have the chance to appreciate one of Italy’s greatest artists.

Taking over the Albany Capital Center for the next few weeks is a true-to-life replica of Michelangelo’s work in the Sistine Chapel.

"When all of us go to those tourist destinations, sometimes you aren’t really able to fully take your time and look at everything," said Shannon Licygiewicz, general manager of the Albany Capital Center.

The work covers the walls and floor of the Capital Center and unlike the Sistine Chapel, it allows viewers to get an up close look at some of the brush strokes that make Michelangelo’s work unique.

"To have a show that is completely certified by the Vatican and approval for the replications, I think means a lot and proves the quality of the artwork you’ll see," she added.

As NewsChannel 13 previously reported, a company in Germany remastered photos of the artwork and digitized the images. A printing process known as sublimation then turns the ink into gas, so it can bond with fabric.

The Albany Capital Center says they’ve been working for months to bring the tour to the area. While the center has been open through the pandemic, this is one of the first events where they can welcome bigger groups of people.

"Everyone has been cooped up for so long. Get out and experience something new," Licygiewicz said. "Make a day of it. Come and see us and come get lunch or dinner downtown. Make it an experience or a fun day for you.

The exhibit opens to the public on Thursday and will run through August 23. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.