Michelangelo makes a new mark in Oakbrook

Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, or just Michelangelo to his close friends, is showing 34 of his past works now through August 15 at 2000 Oakbrook Center in Oakbrook, Illinois.

Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition can be a little tricky to find, but just keep an eye out for Life Time Fitness as you cruise around the exterior of the mall. Inside the previous Sears store in the lower level, ticket buyers should arrive on time with current space requirements, although they can explore at their own pace throughout the experience once inside.

The Italian Renaissance painter, sculptor, poet and architect will be happy to know his legacy has lasted well into the 21st century. As patrons enter they should pause to watch a video and learn more about him, including how distinctive his smell usually was!

This was from all of the hard work he did with the very labor intensive art he cranked out in the chapel with his wet paints. There are benches to sit on and take it all in. Rest up because the bathroom is a bit of a hike behind the scenes of the propped up art, so keep that in mind.

The works are not displayed on the ceiling unfortunately as some previous showings did and not projected on the walls such as the more expensive digital Immersive Van Gogh exhibit at the Lighhouse ArtSpace at Germania Club. This particular photography of the original art focuses strictly on the Sistine Chapel, so don't look for a Statue of David or Moses here. Instead, check out some iconic paintings such as the Garden of Eden, David and Goliath, then end your exploration at The Creation of Adam, which is always majestic to see.

Audio guides are offered for a fee in English and Spanish for a more personal experience.

Be sure and don't miss a fun photo opportunity as you exit close to the gift shop.

The show is kid friendly if parents are okay with artisitc nudes and some people might even recognize the artist's name from the orange Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, "cowabunga dude!" Children ages four to 12 cost $16, with a family pass of two adults plus two young ones bundled together for a steal at $15.

Solo adult tickets are $20 and timed reseverations run weekly Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Learn more at OakbrookCenter.com and purchase tickets at ChapelSistine.com before these larger than life photos move on to other locations around the world.