Home > Styles > Architecture > Decorated by Michelangelo, this secret room in the Medici Chapel is to be opened to the public
Discovered in 1975 during restoration work, this “secret chamber” houses unique sketches by Michelangelo.
It’s a priceless relic for archaeologists and art lovers alike. Discovered beneath the Medici chapels behind the church of San Lorenzo in Florence, this “secret chamber” was decorated by the painting master Michelangelo.
Discovered in 1975 during restoration work, this small room three metres long and two metres high was used to store coal back in Michelangelo’s day. There, he drew figures, bodies and faces in charcoal on the walls. While the artist’s style is easily recognisable, the sketches have nonetheless been expertly assessed by Paolo Dal Poggetto, the former director of the Medici chapels.
As CNN reports, historians believe that Michelangelo produced his wall drawings while hiding in this secret room in the Medici Chapels. In the 1530s, Pope Clement VII returned to power after being ousted by a republican coalition supported by Michelangelo. For several months, the painter had to go into hiding to avoid being sent to the gallows: Pope Clement VII had ordered his death. Experts believe that these drawings were sketches of his future works, particularly statues.
Finally pardoned in 1933, Michelangelo was then appointed by of Pope Clement VII to paint the two side walls of the Sistine Chapel, which he adorned with one of his greatest works, The Last Judgement.
This secret chamber, long preserved by archaeologists, will finally be opened to the public on 15 November. A quota of 100 visitors per week has been set in order to protect the site as much as possible. Tickets cost €20, and tours last 15 minutes taking place every day except Tuesdays and Sundays.
“This venue offers today’s visitors the unique experience of being able to come into direct contact not only with the maestro’s creative process, but also with the perception of the formation of his myth as a divine artist,” says Francesca de Luca, in a statement as the curator of the Medici Chapels Museum.
The Medici ChapelsPiazza di Madonna degli Aldobrandini, 650123 Firenze FI,Italywww.bargellomusei.beniculturali.it
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