NASHVILLE, Tennessee – The Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibit officially opened its doors late last week at the Opry Mills Mall. The exhibition, located in the former Bed Bath and Beyond location, showcases Michelangelo’s frescos from the Sistine Chapel on large panels that allow viewers to see details up close.
Sylvia Noland, a member of the Business Development for SEE Global Entertainment that partners with the Sistine Chapel experience, reached out to The Tennessee Star. “We are so excited to come to Nashville. The Opry Mills Mall is the perfect location for this installation,” Noland wrote in an email. “We hope the residents embrace this because we would love to bring other traveling exhibits to Nashville for them to enjoy.”
Noland continued that the response from Nashville residents has been “amazing.” She added. “Everyone walks in and can’t believe an old Bed, Bath, and Beyond is transformed into an elegant gallery full of masterpieces!”
The panels of Michelangelo’s frescos are hung on each wall of the exhibit and hung overhead with small excerpts next to each artwork, and a small square that the audio package scans for listeners to learn more about the piece.
At the end of the exhibit is a PBS clip explaining Michelangelo’s process with creating the Sistine Chapels artwork, with two benches for viewers to relax and watch. There is also a small gift shop offering posters, magnets, totes, shirts, and more.
The Star spoke to the manager, Savannah Weaver about the exhibit.
Weaver said that “Day one had a steady crowd, everyone seemed to really enjoy the exhibit, and it’s just been like a steady pace since.”
She said that the exhibit’s producers are thinking about offering some engaging events. “We’re still in the process of planning it, but we’re talking about having someone come in and speak on the exhibit, if we could find somebody that’s available. We’re thinking about having, like maybe some wine and cheese, do a little meet and greet.”
Weaver also said that they are currently looking to expand the location in order to make an entrance through the mall. Currently, Opry Mills said that the exhibit can only be accessed between Entry 1 and Entry 2 in the previous Bed Bath & Beyond Space and that the entrance must be accessed from the exterior of the building.
Tickets are priced at $17.50 for regular admission and $24.50 for a VIP experience. The exhibit is self-guided, with audio packages available for purchase at the front desk. The VIP ticket includes the audio package (at no extra charge), a free poster from the gift shop, and the ability to skip the line.
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Morgan Nicole Veysey is a reporter for The Tennessee Star and The Star News Network. Follow her on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
