The quality of the cultural events Mexico offer freely to its residents astounds me. For instance, how about visiting a full scale replica of the Sistine Chapel that is travelling around the country? It is currently in Mérida and it is highly recommended to book a slot to visit ahead of time to avoid a long line up. There is absolutely no fee for doing so and slots book up fast!

So that’s what I did on my coffee break this morning — made a quick jaunt to Italy!

The model was built in the used car tianguis (flea market) in the southeast part of the city. It’s a shame that’s not mentioned on their website as Googling the tianguis was by far the easiest way to find directions. I just knew because I follow a few pages on Facebook that have been talking about the Sistine Chapel replica.

I headed out around 10:20 since my slot was booked for eleven and that was the perfect amount of time as it gave me plenty of leeway to drive around the vicinity of the area to find it. Well, I didn’t need that extra time as it’s impossible to miss this imposing structure!

There was a decently marked parking lot just ahead of it that I noticed at the last minute. Parking was plentiful and I knew I was in for a treat just based on how well organised everything was outside, with tons of portapotties, vending machines, security, attendants, and shade. I went to an attendant and said I had a slot booked at eleven. It was about 10:40 at that point. I was directed to “line A”, where, while I waited, I was able to watch a movie showing how the model was built.

The lines began to move one by one and before I knew it, it was my turn to go into a room to watch another movie, this one about Michelangelo being commissioned to paint the famous frescos. Wow! It was very well done, with great acting and they didn’t skimp on the sets. I learned a lot and appreciated that between the room’s good acoustics, the superb sound quality of the movie, and the slow and clear manner in which the narrator spoke using simple words, I caught at least 85% of what was being said, which I’d estimate was about 95% of the most important information. For instance, I didn’t know that to that point, Michelangelo was only a sculptor and had no experience painting, nor that the frescos were done over a period of about 30 years, with huge gaps in between.

We were then led into the chapel. No photos were allowed, but, really, why would I have wasted time taking pictures when there are so many available online?

My first impression was awe as I noticed exterior details, like cherubs on friezes missing their noses and the place actually smelling old (!). But then came disappointment as the room was quite dark and, frankly, I couldn’t see much.

That didn’t last long. Yet another programme started, with a lights being directed to particular segments of the frescos and a narrator explaining them! I didn’t catch quite as much of this as I did the movie outside (the room was echoey), but more than enough to understand that I was seeing representations of Noah and the Flood, the Book of Revelations, St. Peter, and so much more. Each replica of the frescoes (which I understand to be photos of the originals) was highly detailed and in full colour.

After the narration, the lights were turned on and we could spend a few minutes wandering around freely to admire everything. No detail was missed, from chips in the floor to holes in the curtains. I was seriously impressed and awed. To be honest, I’m not sure I feel much of a need now to fight the crowds at the real one!

We then were able to exit through the rear into what else but a gift shop!

I was able to take a picture of the chapel’s exterior from another angle when I came out:

What an incredible gift this replica is to the people of Mexico! I feel so privileged to have been able to see it.

There are so many free cultural events in Mérida, some very grandiose, some more modest. I hope that as I can lessen my work schedule, I’ll be able to fit more and more of them into my schedule. But I doubt that anything else I see or do will top having had the chance to go to Italy for an hour.