Sistine Chapel gets new lighting, air conditioning systems

As the Book of Genesis recounts: “God said, ‘Let there be light.’ And there was light.”

This week at the Vatican, officials unveiled a new lighting system for the Sistine Chapel that is intended to better illuminate Michelangelo’s famous depictions of scenes from the Bible.

Vatican officials also announced this week that the chapel has a new air conditioning and purification system that allows for improved air flow to the popular tourist attraction.

The improvements come on the occasion of an international conference at the Vatican dedicated to issues of conservation and maintenance. The Agence France-Presse reported that the new lighting and air systems cost approximately 3 million euros, or about $3.8 million.

The Sistine Chapel sees an estimated 6 million visitors annually. The human traffic generates significant amounts of carbon dioxide and humidity that have caused Michelangelo’s frescoes to whiten, according to an Associated Press report.

Officials stated that the new air system will help counter these effects and reduce potential damage to the art work.

The new lighting system reportedly consists of 7,000 LED lights and is intended to save energy and better illuminate works such as “The Last Judgment,” which is located on the wall behind the chapel’s altar.

CBS News reported that the lights are concealed along the edges of the ledge that runs around the chapel and can be adjusted to various levels.

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT