Rome, 3 February 2026 (dpa/MIA) — Michelangelo's world-famous "Last Judgement" fresco in the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican will undergo extensive cleaning over the next three months.

For the first time in some 30 years, the monumental artwork must again be cleansed of dirt deposits that have dulled the colors and contrasts, the Vatican state administration said Monday.

The fresco, on which Renaissance artist Michelangelo toiled from 1536 to 1541, covers the central wall of the chapel's altar.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of visitors come to see the fresco, which is part of the tour of the Vatican Museums.

The Sistine Chapel will remain open to visitors throughout the restoration. This is made possible by scaffolding covering the entire 180 square-meter wall surface.

A team of restorers will work behind a high-resolution image covering the fresco, which depicts the Second Coming of Christ and the final and eternal judgement by God of all humanity.

The maintenance was needed because a whitish veil had formed across the fresco's surface, said Paolo Violini, the restorer responsible for the Vatican Museums.

This had been caused by microparticles of foreign substances carried by air movements. Over time, the deposits weakened the light-dark contrasts and evened out the original colours, said the restorer.

As well as awing throngs of visitors, the "Last Judgement" serves as a backdrop for the conclave — papal election — which is traditionally held in the Sistine Chapel.

During the selection of the pontiff, the cardinals of the Catholic Church gather beneath the fresco. The last time this happened was in May for the election of Pope Leo XIV.