The Asian Patrons of the Arts
in the Vatican Museums
Extraordinary maintenance
of the Last Judgment in the Sistine Chapel
✦
The Asian Patrons of the Arts
With great expectation and excitement, and following the installation of scaffolding in the Sistine Chapel, the extraordinary maintenance of Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment was begun during the final weeks of February 2026.
Although the delicate cleaning of Michelangelo's magnificent fresco has officially commenced and is expected to be completed by Holy Week, Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums and Cultural Heritage, has announced the Sistine Chapel will continue welcoming the faithful and its many visitors while the restoration work takes place. As a result, while restorers of the Vatican Museums' Painting and Wood Materials Restoration Laboratory devote themselves to the intricate work of conservation by using the temporary scaffolding for the purpose of restoring Michelangelo’s fresco depicting the Second Coming of Christ and the final judgment of God (Giudizio Universale) that covers the entire altar wall of the Sistine Chapel.
In order for visitors to imagine Michelangelo’s original and powerful artwork enclosed by scaffolding, a screen reproduction of the Last Judgment, highlighted by illumination, drapes the area of restoration and the restorers. The complex installation of the scaffolding, lighting and artistic imaging was organized by the expertise of the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services, led by Engineer Salvatore Farina for the Governorate of Vatican City State, and creates a memorable experience for those entering the Sistine Chapel. Moreover, the complex and extraordinary maintenance intervention of the Last Judgment is supported by the Florida Chapter of the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums, chaired by Mary Viator, who have generously financed this most important project for the sake of its religious, artistic and cultural importance.
In presenting this major project, the Director of the Museums has noted: “…all phases of the intervention will be documented by the Vatican Museums' Photographic Laboratory, creating a valuable record of the cleaning which, by removing a slight patina invisible to the naked eye, will restore Michelangelo's colors to their full splendor. Nearly thirty years after the last conservation intervention, completed in 1994 under the supervision of Director General Carlo Pietrangeli and carried out by Chief Restorer Gianluigi Colalucci of the Vatican Museums' Painting and Wood Materials Restoration Laboratory, it will once again be possible to admire Michelangelo's supreme masterpiece in all the power of his vision."
In the Vatican Museums’ communication on February 23, 2026, describing the importance and methodology of this significant extraordinary maintenance project, many of those involved have given further insight into its significance.
Fabrizio Biferali Curator of the Department of 15th–16th Century Art, explained “…the fresco of the Last Judgment was begun in 1536 under Paul III Farnese and completed in 1541. According to Ascanio Condivi’s Life of Michelangelo Buonorrati:’… when the fresco was finally unveiled, it was said that Paul III was so overwhelmed that he fell to his knees and implored divine forgiveness on the last day.’ ”
"Today's intervention,” according to Paolo Violini, Chief Restorer of the Paintings and Wooden Materials Conservation Laboratory, "became necessary due to the presence of a widespread whitish veil on the painted surface, which has caused a reduction in chiaroscuro values and a consequent alteration in the chromatic legibility of the fresco. The removal of this patina is carried out through the controlled application, by brush, of deionized water, applied through a double layer of Japanese tissue paper. The water enables the complete solubilization of deposits and extraneous substances, bringing the original paint layer back to light while respecting its authentic state of conservation. The intervention is preceded by thorough preliminary scientific investigations, detailed photographic documentation, and a precise survey of the work's state of conservation, aimed at acquiring data and verifying the compatibility of the operational procedures adopted."
The Head of the Conservator's Office Marco Maggi, publicly notes: “…from 2010 onward, the Directorate of the Vatican Museums launched the Ordinary Maintenance Plan for the Sistine Chapel…on evenings during the months of January and February, when the Museums are closed to the public, painting and marble restorers, diagnostics and conservation specialists, logistics operators, technical staff from the Museums and the Directorate of Infrastructure and Services have taken turns ensuring the preservation of the Chapel's frescoes and decorative elements - by thorough dusting and rigorous visual and instrumental checks - and verifying the proper functioning of the air conditioning and lighting systems, active since 2014 and essential for the stability of environmental conditions and the optimal enjoyment of the Sistine environment."
Reflecting upon the current need for intervention, Fabio Morresi, Head of the Scientific Research Laboratory, observes: "…we are once again touching and closely observing Michelangelo's work. Over these years, monitoring of the paint layer has been constant, and we have been able to observe, in addition to a slight deposition of particulate matter, some localized whitening phenomena. These phenomena were immediately analyzed to define their exact nature and, consequently, the cause of their appearance. A series of in-depth scientific analyses enabled the correct molecular identification of this substance: calcium lactate. This salt is stratified only on the outermost surface of the paint and is highly soluble in water. This chemical-physical property makes its removal straightforward, ensuring minimal interaction with the underlying pigments.”
The importance of Michelangelo’s The Last Judgment cannot be underestimated. Now, after much study and analyses, the installation of a special scaffold close to the Last Judgment wall will allow our restorers to carry out, in complete safety and with the Sistine Chapel remaining open, an extraordinary maintenance intervention on the entire painted surface that will allow generations to come to view one of the world’s most significant masterpieces.
In January 2026, the Asian Patrons of the Arts of the Vatican Museums (APAVM) commemorated its 10th Anniversary with two milestone fundraising dinners in Hong Kong and Singapore.
The celebrations brought together patrons, diplomats, and APAVM friends committed to preserving one of the world’s most significant cultural institutions — the Vatican Museums. Over the past decade, APAVM has strengthened the bridge between Asia and the Vatican, supporting conservation initiatives that protect masterpieces of global artistic heritage.
The evenings marked not only a celebration of ten years of patronage, but also the launch of APAVM’s 2026 restoration commitments.
Ben Chang, Chairman of APAVM, welcomed the guests of honour, patrons, sponsors and friends during the dinners in Hong Kong and Singapore for the very special 10th Anniversary milestone of APAVM and gave a video presentation of all the achievements in its 10-year history. It was a joyous celebration of the growing collaboration between Asia and the Vatican.
Monsignor José Luis Díaz-Mariblanca Sánchez, Head of the Holy See Study Mission in Hong Kong, honoured the gathering with his presence.
Monsignor Terence Hogan, SLD, Coordinator of the Office of Relations with the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums (ORPAVM), presented an overview of current conservation priorities within the Vatican Museums. His address highlighted the complexity of preserving centuries-old frescoes, tapestries, and architectural elements, and the essential role of international patronage in sustaining this work.
The Hong Kong dinner reflected the city’s longstanding commitment to heritage, philanthropy, and cross-cultural collaboration.
His Excellency Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Singapore, joined the celebration alongside distinguished guests, patrons and friends.
Monsignor Marinko Antolovic, First Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore, was also in attendance.
Once again, Monsignor Terence Hogan provided insights into the scientific and artistic expertise required to safeguard the Vatican Museums’ collections — works that welcome over seven million visitors annually and rank among the most visited museums in the world.
The Vatican Museums house centuries of artistic achievement — from Renaissance fresco cycles to intricate sculptures and sacred artefacts. Conservation is a meticulous and highly specialised undertaking, requiring technical skill, sustained funding, and international cooperation.
APAVM’s role over the past ten years has been clear:
The 10th Anniversary dinners reaffirmed a shared commitment to long-term stewardship — protecting irreplaceable works so that future generations may continue to study, appreciate, and learn from them.
APAVM extends its sincere gratitude to all patrons, benefactors, sponsors, and friends who contributed to the success of these milestone events.
Together, we continue the vital work of conserving artistic heritage — honouring the past while safeguarding the future.
Ben Chang, Chairman & Founder of APAVM, welcoming distinguished guests, patrons and friends celebrating the 10th Anniversary milestone of APAVM
Distinguished guests and patrons gather in Hong Kong to commemorate APAVM's Tenth Anniversary.
Monsignor José Luis Díaz-Mariblanca Sánchez, Head of the Holy See Study Mission in Hong Kong
Monsignor Terence Hogan, SLD, Coordinator of the Office of Relations with the Patrons of the Arts in the Vatican Museums (ORPAVM).
His Excellency Archbishop Marek Zalewski, Apostolic Nuncio to the Republic of Singapore.
Monsignor Marinko Antolovic, First Counsellor of the Apostolic Nunciature in Singapore.
A moment of reflection during the presentation on conservation initiatives.
Celebrating ten years of partnership in safeguarding artistic heritage.
Due to Typhoon Wipha, the SHROUD talk scheduled for today Sunday 20th at the Catholic Diocese Center will be cancelled. We strongly encourage all to attend the two remaining Shroud talks on Tuesday 22 July at the following locations and times:
1. 22 July 2025, 1400-1600 hrs @ The Hong Kong Baptist University, see flyer below:
2. 22 July 2025, 1930-2130 hrs at
The Island ECC, 2nd Floor Worship Hall, 633 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong.
No registration is required and Admission is free. Seats will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Both locations should have sufficient seating capacity to accommodate all participants.
Admission is free and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis (Hong Kong Chapter).
Admission is free and seats will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Limited to 50 pax. Please scan the QR code or click here to register (Singapore Chapter).
Limited to 48 pax. Please scan the QR code or click here to register (Hong Kong Chapter).
There are no Upcoming Events at the moment, stay tuned!
The beauty of God, the holiness of saints, and the Christian faith have been displayed by the Vatican Museums for centuries. World-renowned artists and sculptors have used sacred art to speak across cultures, inspiring awe and reflection in millions.
We invite you to join us for an evening of grace and mission. We hope you will join us in Hong Kong and Singapore for our 10th Anniversary Fundraising Dinner to launch 2026.
We are fortunate to have our special guests of honour join us for this spiritual undertaking:
Evangelisation is not solely proclaimed through words. It is revealed through beauty. Through sacred art, believers and seekers experience God's mystery, mercy, and majesty in ways that words alone cannot. By preserving Vatican Christian artworks, we maintain their message for future generations.
Because you are patrons and friends of APAVM, your support truly matters. Each contribution helps safeguard priceless works that draw seven million visitors annually, making the Vatican Museums one of the world’s three most visited museums—and a global beacon of Catholic heritage. God's grace touches countless hearts through these masterpieces, often in unseen yet deeply transformative ways.
This mission is not merely cultural; it is spiritual. It is our answer to God's call—to manage His gifts and leave a legacy of faith that speaks through the ages and is never forgotten.
Help us continue to respond to God’s call. May your actions protect the Vatican Museums' beauty, guiding hearts to Him.
| Become a restorer of beauty… | ||
| a keeper of the faith… | ||
| and a steward of this eternal legacy. |
APAVM organised a very successful series of lectures entitled “Harmony in Faith and Science” over 6 Saturdays from 12 June – 17 July 2021.
Due to the pandemic, the lectures were delivered via Zoom. Although audience members and speakers could not be with each other in the same room, the lack of physical proximity and interaction was made up by being able to reach an international audience.
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Man has always been curious about how the universe works and has been proposing cosmological theories, from angels and demons to photons and quarks.
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The Vatican Observatory is an astronomical research and education institution originally founded in 1582 to explain and defend the new Gregorian calendar…
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The Shroud of Turin is the most controversial relic of all time. Christian tradition has recognized it to be the linen that wrapped the body…
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If you enjoyed the lecture series, do join APAVM as a Patron or FOA.
Click Here to Join as a Patron: https://apavm.com/registration
Click here to Join as a Friend of APAVM For Just USD100 per annum: https://bit.ly/3wtpj2k
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