The Small Space Where Michelangelo Secretly Painted 500 Years Ago
Allowance of Up to 100 Visitors Weekly from November 15 to March 30 Next Year
Michelangelo’s ‘Secret Room’ / AP=Yonhap News
The ‘Secret Room,’ where the Renaissance genius artist Michelangelo is believed to have hidden and painted approximately 500 years ago, is being opened to the public for the first time since its discovery in 1975.
The Italian daily La Stampa reported on October 31 (local time) that the ‘Secret Room’ located in the basement of the Medici Chapel in Florence will be selectively opened to a few visitors from November 15 until March 30 of next year.
This small space, measuring 33 feet in length, 10 feet in width, and 8 feet in height, is known to be where Michelangelo hid after angering Pope Clement VII in 1530 for supporting the republic that ousted the Medici family from Florence.
The room was discovered in 1975 by Paolo dal Pozzetto, the custodian of the Medici Chapel at the time. He found a hidden attic door underneath a wardrobe while looking for a new exit to accommodate the increasing number of visitors.
Upon opening the door, a stone staircase leading to a room full of charcoal was revealed. After removing two layers of plaster walls, 60-70 delicate charcoal drawings that had been hidden for centuries were unveiled.
Michelangelo’s ‘Secret Room’ / AP=Yonhap News
The current custodian, Paola D’Agostino, said Pozzetto “firmly believed they were works of Michelangelo.” There is ongoing debate in academia about whether Michelangelo actually did these drawings.
Many scholars have claimed these drawings to be the works of Michelangelo, but some have argued that Michelangelo, who was already in his 50s and had powerful patrons, would not have spent his time in such a gloomy, confined space.
Access to the ‘Secret Room’ has been strictly limited since its discovery in 1975.
Only scholars, journalists, and corporate executives were allowed entry. In 2018, even Prince Charles of the United Kingdom paid a visit. It also became a hot topic when it was revealed that Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio had visited.
Although the room will be open to the public for the first time from November 15, the access will be minimal.
Only four people at a time, with a maximum of 100 people per week, will be allowed in, and the time spent inside the room is limited to 15 minutes at most.
La Stampa explained that the limited number of visitors and time is due to the narrow space and the potential negative impact on the artwork from prolonged exposure to light.
The ‘Secret Room’ has steep and narrow stairs leading down, making it inaccessible for disabled people and children under 10.
The Italian Ministry of Culture plans to decide on the extension and potential expansion of visitors after opening the place to the public until March 30 of next year.
Michelangelo’s ‘Secret Room’ / AP=Yonhap News
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