San Francisco's St. Mary's Cathedral hosts Michelangelo Sistine Chapel exhibition
Visitors to St. Mary's Cathedral in San Francisco are getting an intimate look at one of the world's most iconic artistic masterpieces - without having to travel to Rome.
The cathedral is currently hosting "Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition," a life-size replica experience that offers guests a close-up view of the famed ceiling frescoes from the Vatican. The immersive exhibit gives the public a rare opportunity to examine the intricate brushwork, vibrant colors, and divine themes of Michelangelo's work in striking detail.
"People are illuminated and inspired," said Deacon Cristóph Sandoval of St. Mary's Cathedral. "And they smile when they come out because they've had such a wonderful time. I believe it's because their souls are being fed - not just food for the mind, but food for the heart."
The exhibit, which replicates the Sistine Chapel's ceiling at near-original scale, allows for a more reflective and educational encounter with the Renaissance masterpiece, free from the crowds and restrictions typically found in Vatican City.
Tina Mooradian, a visitor to the exhibition, said the experience stood in stark contrast to her previous trip to the Sistine Chapel in Italy.
"I've been to the Sistine Chapel in Italy, and you can't take pictures, and you can't be up so close," Mooradian said. "So what a gift to be able to take pictures here, and to be up close - it's just fabulous. It's such a joy to be here and experience this."
For Sandoval, the significance of the Sistine Chapel goes beyond art. While celebrating the recent installation of Pope Leo XIV, he reflected on the symbolism of the space where the pontiff was elected.
"Here he is as a universal advocate for all the peoples of the world, who comes from both America and Peru. He has bi-national identity," Sandoval said. "He also is an advocate for the world, and he was elected, in of all places, the Sistine Chapel."
Among the many vivid frescoes, one image in particular stands out to the deacon: Michelangelo's 1511 depiction of the Eternal Father.
"We call him the father of all mankind. I love that," he said. "I know that there's an emphasis on the idea that you have a father, a paternal figure, who assembles his children together around the table, but 'all mankind' talks about the diversity of humanity that he is the creative force for."
"We are made in the image of love, for love, to travel the journey of love, and to come back to that source," he added.
That source of love, reflection, and beauty is something the leaders at St. Mary's Cathedral hope to continue offering to the Bay Area, one inspired visitor at a time. The exhibit will run until September 21st.