Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel exhibition is coming to Sydney!

Taylah Darnell Taylah Darnell
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The Italian Renaissance has just arrived on our doorstep.

It’s no lie that city-dwelling creatives have access to an incredible collection of art galleries in Sydney. But unfortunately, viewing some of the world’s most respected works often involves a long-haul flight and too much annual leave. Until now, with live entertainment platform Fever bringing Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition back Down Under.

What is the exhibition all about?

Ask any art lover and they’ll agree – Michelangelo is one of the biggest names in the art world. The Italian architect, sculptor, painter and poet worked out of Florence during the High Renaissance – considered the peak of artistic achievement and influence in Italy. Despite his active career unfolding over five centuries ago, from the late 1480s until his death in 1564, he remains a stalwart of creativity and inspiration to modern artists today.

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW
Renaissance painter Michelangelo is one of the most influential artists in history.

The frescoes Michelangelo painted onto the ceilings of Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512 are arguably his most notable and influential artworks. The intimate project took him five years to complete and has become one of the world’s most acclaimed masterpieces, instantly recognisable by its intricate motifs of prophets, clouds and hands poised to touch. The frescoes were so beloved that Pope Paul III invited Michelangelo back to paint the chapel’s west wall between 1534 and 1541.

Presented by Fever, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition brings this marvellous feat back to Australian shores after three long years. The international tour debuted in Adelaide back in 2022 and has since gone on to dazzle culture vultures everywhere from Paris and Berlin to Shanghai and Chicago. And now, it’s Sydney’s turn.

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW
Admire 34 ceiling frescoes intricately replicated from the Sistine Chapel.

While the exhibition obviously cannot showcase the original works, which remain major drawcards to Rome’s Vatican City, it brings them to life in a completely new way. Inside the Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground, 34 of Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes from the Sistine Chapel, including famed pieces like The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, will be displayed to the public. No scaffolding, no crowding and no passport required.

Each painting has been recreated true-to-size, using an advanced printing method that mirrors every texture, colour and detail. What’s more, Sydneysiders will be able to view the frescoes up close, a luxury not often afforded to ceiling work. Each piece will be positioned at eye-level, so you won’t have to spend hours craning your neck to look upwards.

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition in Sydney, NSW
The immersive art exhibition will be open five days a week.

Informative signage and audio guides will also be available, which serve to further immerse you in Michelangelo’s creativity and imagination. It’s all self-guided, too, so you can take in each piece at your own pace. Afterwards, make a day out of it and head to Bubble Planet: An Immersive Experience next, also hosted by Fever at Sydney Olympic Park. It’s truly one of the city’s most happening precincts, with plenty of surrounding parklands, riverside walks, cafes and restaurants to explore, too.

The details

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition opens Friday, 29 August, in Sydney Olympic Park. Held within the Fever Pavilion at Sydney Showground, it’s open five days a week: Wednesday, Thursday (10am–4pm), Friday (10am–5pm), Saturday (9am–5pm) and Sunday (9am–4pm). The experience runs for approximately 60–90 minutes.

Those wishing to attend can sign up for the waitlist now, which provides more information regarding tickets and prices. Children must be eight or older to attend. Fever Pavilion is a wheelchair accessible venue, with paid parking available onsite. Public transport is also nearby – you can catch the train, bus or ferry to Sydney Olympic Park.

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Taylah Darnell
Taylah Darnell is Australian Traveller's Writer & Producer. She has been passionate about writing since she learnt to read, spending many hours either lost in the pages of books or attempting to write her own. This life-long love of words inspired her to study a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Creative Writing at the University of Technology Sydney, where she completed two editorial internships. She began her full-time career in publishing at Ocean Media before scoring her dream job with Australian Traveller. Now as Writer & Producer, Taylah passionately works across both digital platforms and print titles. When she's not wielding a red pen over magazine proofs, you can find Taylah among the aisles of a second-hand bookshop, following a good nature trail or cheering on her EPL team at 3am. While she's keen to check out places like Scotland and North America, her favourite place to explore will always be her homeland.
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After dark: 6 experiences along the Murray lighting up the night

(Credit: Serena Munro)

    Gemma Kaczerepa Gemma Kaczerepa
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    See the Murray region in an entirely different light by exploring its night-time experiences and attractions.

    By day, the mighty Murray River is a majestic and ever-changing sight, with river red gums and wetlands stretching along 2500 kilometres. But by night, its cities, towns, villages and landscapes totally transform.

    From Albury Wodonga to Mildura, and everywhere in between, you’ll be in for a multi-sensory and memorable treat encompassing mesmerising light shows, guided ghost tours and vibrant celebrations that capture the nocturnal magic of the river.

    This is no ordinary nighttime adventure; the region becomes an entirely different world when the sun sets. Discover six must-do activities along the Murray that can only be enjoyed after dark.

    1. Share in ghostly tales

    Port After Dark tour Murray at night
    Hold on to your nerve when learning local ghost stories. (Credit: Campaspe Shire Council)

    If you’re up for something a little more spine-tingling, Port After Dark in Echuca is your best bet. Rumour has it that the Port of Echuca Wharf and the buildings around it have long been home to lingering ghosts and mysterious events – like the vengeful woman said to haunt an old tramway bridge and spirits searching for stolen money through the town centre.

    You can hear all about them on this guided lantern tour, which takes place on Wednesday and Saturday nights after dark. The stories are atmospheric and intriguing – you may even spot a ghost or two yourself. If you’d like a more intimate experience, private tours are also available to groups of 15 or more.

    2. Wander art installations

    Bruce Munroe's Fibre Optic Symphoinic Orchestra Murray at night
    See Bruce Munro’s immersive art installation. (Credit: Serena Munro)

    Right near the Perry Sandhills, sits an experience that feels almost otherworldly. Artist Bruce Munro (of Uluru’s Field of Lights fame) has created a Fibre Optic Symphonic Orchestra, a network of 80 Hills Hoists illuminated with fibre optic light combined with the sounds of an orchestra. The clotheslines glow and pulse in time to the specially composed score, immersing you in a dreamscape of light and sound.

    For a different light experience, you’ll find stillness at Trail of Lights, also curated by Munro. Located just 30 minutes away on Lock Island in Mildura, thousands of lights stretch over the landscape, spotlighting both the river and a series of Munro’s sculptures. The trail is intended to be a peaceful and meditative setting for wandering and reflecting.

    3. Learn through lasers

    Heartbeat of the Murray at night
    Travel 30 million years into the Murray’s past at Heartbeat of the Murray. (Credit: Ewen Bell)

    Discover a fascinating history in this dual act of lights and projections on the banks of the Little Murray River. Legends of the Mallee is a multimedia show in Swan Hill combining lasers and lights, which tells the story of the region’s rich past. Learn about the Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Peoples who first inhabited the area, as well as the figures and events that shaped the Mallee of today.

    The river steals the spotlight in the Heartbeat of the Murray, a multimedia spectacle inside the Pioneer Settlement encompassing lights, lasers, sound and special effects against the natural backdrop. Through a sequence of large-scale animated projections, you’ll go back 30 million years to explore the Murray River’s formation before travelling to the present to learn how it supports modern communities.

    4. Light up the lake

    Lake Mulwala Laser Light Show Murray at night
    Watch the lights and lasers of Lake Mulwala. (Credit: Mulwala Water Ski Club)

    Travelling with kids? Head to Yarrawonga Mulwala and nearby Lake Mulwala for the family-friendly Laser Light & Sound Show. Lights and lasers are projected over the lake and onto curtains of fog, creating a colourful and high-energy visual display. The show suits all ages and tastes, set to a mix of songs that everyone knows and loves.

    You can take in the spectacle from either the grassy banks of the lake or book a table at the Mulwala Water Ski Club’s Malibu Deck Cafe, serving pub-style food and refreshing drinks, including excellent classic cocktails. If you’re watching from the foreshore, the show is entirely free, making it a great budget-friendly option.

    5. Be captivated by local culture

    Bullanginya Dreaming Murray at night
    Soak in the culture of the Bangerang People. (Credit: Laser Vision)

    Set aside an evening to explore Bullanginya Dreaming in Cobram Barooga – you’ll want ample time to take in the stories and symbolism of this immersive laser light and sound trail. The 1.8-kilometre trail explores the storytelling and culture of the Bangerang People, who have long cared for the lands around Bullanginya Lagoon in Barooga. The trail features 12 activations – each telling a different story – and combines dramatic lights and lasers with water and fire.

    Intertwined with the visual displays are Bangerang narratives, giving you meaningful insight into the area’s Indigenous heritage. It’s designed to be explored over 90 or so minutes, encouraging you to move slowly and thoughtfully.

    6. Discover a winter glow

    winterglow festival
    See the streets of Albury Wodonga come to life after dark. (Credit: Visit Albury Wodonga)

    Albury Wodonga comes alive as the weather drops, with an annual celebration of the season on Saturday, 15 August. WinterGlow takes over the CBD and features a vibrant program of things to see, do, learn, eat and drink.

    Take part in hands-on workshops that let you try different art forms and crafts. Feast on street food and winter warmers from local eateries. Browse for artisan wares at the night markets. Watch musical acts on the main stage. Or get involved in different activations, including a silent disco and giant maze. Artificial snow will be falling to add to the festive atmosphere.

    Even wandering the streets and laneways and soaking up the late-night energy will leave you feeling enchanted.

    Start planning a day-to-night adventure along the Murray at visitthemurray.com.au.