Some of the world's most precious artworks cannot travel for exhibitions due to their fragile nature and unique circumstances. However, art enthusiasts who want to experience Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper" (1494-1498) up close can now visit an immersive exhibition at the Parochial Church, bringing this iconic work to life through cutting-edge technology.
The original fresco remains permanently housed in Milan, Italy, where da Vinci painted it directly onto the wall of the refectory in the Dominican convent of Santa Maria delle Grazie using the secco technique. Many art historians consider this work to be the artist's greatest achievement, even surpassing the fame of the Mona Lisa. Leonardo da Vinci, widely regarded as a universal genius, created this monumental piece that measures 9.04 meters wide and 4.22 meters high.
The painting depicts the pivotal biblical scene where Jesus sits with his disciples on the evening before his crucifixion. The artwork captures the dramatic moment when Christ announces, "One of you will betray me!" The immersive exhibition offers visitors an unprecedented opportunity to examine intricate details through digital zoom technology, providing explanations of each of the twelve disciples' reactions, the conspiracy theories that have surrounded the painting throughout history, and the innovative painting techniques employed by the Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519).
The exhibition format offers significant advantages over viewing the original masterpiece in Milan. While visitors to the actual fresco in Italy are limited to just 15 minutes in groups of no more than 25 people, the Parochial Church exhibition allows guests to spend as much time as they desire exploring and absorbing the artwork's details. This relaxed viewing experience enables a deeper appreciation of da Vinci's technical mastery and artistic vision.
The immersive show is located at Klosterstrasse 67 and operates on a varied schedule throughout the week. The exhibition is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM, while Friday and Saturday hours extend from 10 AM to 8 PM. Tickets are priced at 22 euros and can be purchased at advance sales locations or through online booking platforms.
