Michelangelo’s ‘Last Judgment’ fresco undergoes 3-month cleaning at Sistine Chapel

VATICAN CITY — Michelangelo’s iconic fresco, “The Last Judgment,” located in the renowned Sistine Chapel, is currently undergoing its first major restoration in over 30 years, as announced by the Vatican on Monday.

Despite the restoration work, the Sistine Chapel will remain open to visitors during the three-month cleaning process. However, some views of the fresco may be partially obstructed by scaffolding, according to a statement from the Vatican Museums.

This restoration project, the first of its kind since 1994, aims to address the buildup of microparticles on the plaster caused by the high volume of daily visitors. The museum described the accumulation as a “widespread whitish haze” resulting from foreign substances carried by air currents.

With over 6 million visitors annually, the Vatican Museums, particularly the Sistine Chapel, are subject to constant monitoring of humidity and temperature levels to ensure the preservation of these historic artworks.

Named after Pope Sixtus IV, who oversaw its construction in the 15th century, the Sistine Chapel gained further renown under Pope Julius II, who commissioned Michelangelo to paint the ceiling and later “The Last Judgment” on the altar wall.

The chapel played a significant role in the election of Pope Leo XIV during the May conclave.

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