Michelangelo’s Hiding Place: Medici Chapel New Sacristy, Florence

Did you know that Michelangelo narrowly escaped execution when he was 55 years old? Few people do, but it’s true! He’d fallen on the wrong side of the mighty Medici and went into hiding. No one knows for how long. And for 466 years no one knew where. Then, in 1976, his hiding place was discovered thanks to the charcoal drawings he’d left on the four walls of his “cell,“ preserved by the plaster that covered them. The drawings are off-limits to the general public due to their age and fragility. But thanks to the efforts of our Florence-based collaborator, Paola Angelini of Guided Florence Tours, author Mary Hoffman and I were allowed to visit the room. I was granted permission to record our visit as well. Thanks to the approval of the Medici Chapels, I can now share our experience with you. Enjoy this trip through time with Michelangelo! Please share. Help us to #TurnHistoryOn!