Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition

After work, this afternoon, the MInx and I took a stroll up into town for a glass of wine and a late lunch at Beermoth. Thus fortified, we then hopped on a tram from St Peter's Square to the Trafford Centre. (I love catching the tram.)

Our journey arose not from a desire to shop, but rather to visit the Sistine Chapel exhibition, which has the feel of being a pop-up affair, making use of a vacant space. Which is not to knock it in any way; it was very well done.

The Minx had booked us tickets that included a guided tour of the paintings, accessed via our phones. This was also well done and a useful guide but, at around five minutes per painting (or section of the ceiling, if you prefer), it became clear that we weren't going to listen to all of it.

But the written signs were also useful and informative, and I enjoyed working my way 'round. I think the biggest surprises to me were, firstly, the lack of fine detail - which, of course, makes absolute sense once you stop to think about it - and also hearing about the uncomfortable, cramped conditions under which this masterpiece was created.