Headlines
Jesus gets a makeover as Sistine Chapel artwork undergoes restoration
Published by Global Banking and Finance Review
Posted on February 2, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 2, 2026
Quick Summary
Michelangelo's 'Last Judgment' in the Sistine Chapel is being restored for the first time in 30 years, aiming to recover its original colors. The chapel stays open with a reproduction on display.
Sistine Chapel's 'Last Judgment' Artwork Undergoes Major Restoration
Restoration of Michelangelo's Masterpiece
VATICAN CITY, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Sometimes even God needs a bit of a makeover.
Details of the Restoration Process
Michelangelo's "Last Judgment", a Renaissance masterwork in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel that depicts the Second Coming of Jesus, is undergoing its first restoration in 30 years.
Visitor Experience During Restoration
Experts will work over three months to remove decades of built-up particles that have obscured the colours of the artwork, the Vatican said in a press release.
Other Notable Frescoes in the Chapel
"The new intervention... will allow the removal of these deposits and the consequent recovery of the chromatic and luministic quality desired by Michelangelo," it said.
The Sistine Chapel, famous as the site of the secret conclave where the world's Catholic cardinals vote to select new popes, sees millions of visitors each year as part of the Vatican Museums.
The chapel will remain open during the restoration. But the fresco itself, showing Jesus delivering his final judgment of humanity, will be covered by scaffolding.
Visitors will instead be able to see a high-definition reproduction of the artwork, the Vatican said.
The chapel is also home to many other frescoes, including Michelangelo's "The Creation of Adam" on its ceiling. Those will still be on display.
(Reporting by Joshua McElweeEditing by Gareth Jones)
Key Takeaways
- •Michelangelo's 'Last Judgment' is undergoing restoration.
- •First restoration in 30 years for the Sistine Chapel artwork.
- •Scaffolding will cover the fresco, with a reproduction on display.
- •The restoration aims to recover original colors and luminance.
- •The Sistine Chapel remains open to visitors during the process.
Frequently Asked Questions about Jesus gets a makeover as Sistine Chapel artwork undergoes restoration
1What is restoration?
Restoration refers to the process of returning something to its original condition. In art, it involves repairing and preserving artworks to maintain their aesthetic and historical value.
2What is a fresco?
A fresco is a technique of mural painting on freshly laid wet plaster, allowing the paint to bond with the wall as it dries, creating a durable and vibrant artwork.
3What is Michelangelo known for?
Michelangelo was an Italian Renaissance artist renowned for his sculptures, paintings, and architectural works, including the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the statue of David.
