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.

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 visit places like Norway and New Zealand, her favourite place to explore will forever be her homeland.
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Slowing down in Moree: a guide to the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia

(Credit: Destination NSW)

    Kassia Byrnes Kassia Byrnes
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    The Artesian Spa Capital of Australia offers the perfect destination to escape the grind and reset.

    The world moves more slowly in Moree, and that’s how it should be. Here, country charm and heritage buildings fill the town’s wide streets. While the surrounding farmland mixes with lush riverways to create a fascinating landscape.

    But the biggest pull? Moree is known as the Artesian Spa Capital of Australia. It’s truly a place to slow down and disconnect, all an easy train ride from Sydney.

    Soak in Moree’s artesian water

    kids at Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Dive in to Moree’s artesian waters.

    Moree is not your typical wellness retreat, replacing pretence with casual and easy. Blessed to be sitting above the Great Artesian Basin, it feeds the town (and surrounding villages) with hot, mineral-rich water. Loaded with minerals like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sulphur, this water is believed to help with skin health, joint function and tissue repair.

    And the town’s crown jewel, Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre, has reopened after extensive upgrades. This state-of-the-art aquatic centre offers accessible facilities with multiple artesian baths of varying temperatures between 38 and 41°C.

    Feel like exploring a little further? About an hour’s drive from Moree, the village of Boomi also offers public access to this same artesian water. Pop into Boomi Artesian Pool to make the most of a 25-metre cold pool, a wading pool and a hot artesian spa pool.

    Just an hour west of Boomi, you’ll also find Mungindi Hot Artesian Pool, another relaxing place to rejuvenate for the afternoon in the mineral-rich water.

    Moree’s best stays

    woman swimming ta Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre
    Stay right by Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.

    There are several motels within walking distance of the aquatic centre, so you linger longer in its therapeutic waters. A day pass not enough? Really soak in the benefits of Moree at three local stays with their own artesian baths.

    Gwydir Thermal Pools Resort boasts five artesian pools for motel and caravan park guests, ranging in soothing temperatures from 34 to 39 degrees. And that includes a 25-metre lap pool.

    The Phoenix, Artesian Spa Resort & Accommodation features outdoor artesian thermal pools and six indoor artesian spas, all 34 to 42°C, plus regular pools for guests staying in their accommodations.

    While the Artesian Spa Motel matches 46 comfortable budget rooms set across five acres of landscaped grounds, with direct access (for guests) to its own natural artesian hot thermal pool.

    Moree’s location at the crossroads of the Newell and Gwydir Highways makes it the ideal resting place for those road tripping through country NSW. With plenty of accommodation options, including farm stays, quaint bed and breakfasts and affordable motels.

    Delving into nature around Moree

    aerial of moree
    Find plenty of natural beauty in and around Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Beyond the baths, find calm in Moree’s nature. Soak up the impressive Gwydir River from the peaceful Tareelaroi Weir Recreation Area. Popular with locals, this scenic spot is perfect for fishing, kayaking and picnics. Delve into local history at the Terry Hie Hie Picnic Area – a significant Gamilaroi cultural site. The picnic area is still used today as a ceremonial gathering ground, with educational signage sharing the history of the Gamilaroi People and the mission which used to reside here in the early 20th Century. Follow the Yana-y Warruwi Walking Track to explore the area’s box pine forest.

    Combine nature and culture at the Jellicoe Park Open Spaces Aboriginal Art Trail along the scenic Mehi River Walk. Find artworks from local Indigenous artists across a range of different mediums, like carved logs, engraved and painted sandstone and scar tree paintings.

    A taste of Moree

    meal at Moree Country Club
    Sit down for a tasty meal after a game of golf. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Taste the best of local cafes as you wander past the Art Deco architecture of Moree’s tree-lined main streets. Join the locals each morning at Brooker Trading Co as they line up for their morning java. Stay for classic breakfast dishes like eggs benedict and Dutch pancakes, or arrive later in the day for a hearty lunch menu. Inside a gorgeous Art Deco building, 61 Balo is another tasty breakfast option, with pet-friendly service. The recently renovated Cafe Omega is another popular stop for fresh, hearty meals – the chicken burger is a particular crowd pleaser – all served with a smile.

    Get inspired as you wander the CBD’s Mural Trail, stopping at some of Moree’s six art galleries along the way. Bank Art Museum is a must-see, housed in the town’s heritage bank building and home to a collection of First Nations art, plus a changing calendar of touring exhibitions.

    Bank Art Museum Moree
    Step inside the gorgeous Bank Art Museum Moree. (Credit: Destination NSW)

    Get active with a round on the beautiful riverside course at Moree Golf Club (and refuel afterwards at the delicious onsite restaurant) or a game of bowls at Moree Services Club’s state-of-the-art facility. Visit on the last weekend of September to join (or watch) Run the Plains, Moree’s annual two-day running festival.

    Known as ‘white gold’ country, Moree is Australia’s most productive agricultural region. Visit from April to September to join a cotton farm tour and get to know one of Moree’s major exports.

    However long you choose to stay, there’s plenty to soak in around Moree.

    Start planning the ultimate escape at visitmoreeplains.com.au.