Since I encountered numerous signs pointing in the direction of Santa Maria, I found the church very quickly.
Easy stuff!
Upon arriving, I found some very interesting information regarding the exhibition.
Only 20-30 people are allowed to be in the same room with the painting and only for only 15 minutes. In order to preserve THE LAST SUPPER, the temperature of the room is set a specific number at all times. A guide has to accompany you in and out, with absolutely no photos or videos allowed.
While waiting for my specific time to arrive, I wandered into a nearby book and music store across the street. This class establishment held quite a few unique items relating to all things Milano. I ended up getting a La Scala (homeless shelter) magnet for my Dad.
I returned to Santa Maria and found that my allotted time was quickly approaching.
Since I had an extra ticket that was going to be unused, I found a group of oriental travelers trying to find if anyone was willing to give up an extra ticket. They were in luck!
The entrance of the exhibition truly showcased the importance of Da Vinci's THE LAST SUPPER. There were numerous receptionists on hand responding to questions, security guards surveying the area, with travelers from all of the world gearing up to be moved into the actual exhibit.
My time was called and I soon proceeded deeper into Santa Maria delle Grazie with my group. We went through two security checkpoints which made sure no sharp or violent objects were with us.
After the security screenings, we finally entered into sacred room.
The long room was exceptionally quiet, with only two guards surveying the area.
The fresco lay to the farthest wall to our right. The first thing that surprised me was size of the piece. It's gigantic and covers the entire wall!
I was thoroughly impressed with scale of the piece, full of impeccable detail and jaw-dropping atmosphere.
Observing all the subtle gestures blown up to its actual size was fascinating. Every little positioning of the apostles represents a key characteristic of the specific depiction. You could sense the feminine strokes of John the Baptist and feel the delicacy of Christ.
Da Vinci wanted to capture one of the most striking historical moments in motion: Christ telling his apostles that one will betray him. In this ambition, Da Vinci has undeniably succeeded. I could hear the commotion as the apostles roared and ejected their displeasure. I could feel as every apostle responded in fear, shock, and unease. The movements of the scene provide a sense of intensity like nothing I've seen before in art. Many paintings tend to stick to the static image, afraid to show anything in full motion. Da Vinci not only formulates an enchanting piece that loses you in the scene, but does so with one of the most heartbreaking moments in time.
Our guide discussed the interesting perspective Da Vinci chose with The Last Supper. The mathematical depth provided by Da Vinci gives this incredible illusion that the wall is a window into totally different room. Almost like an extension to the actual room. Magnificent!
Unfortunately, time has certainly done its worst to Da Vinci's masterpiece. The amount of peel, deterioration, and lack of color really asks, how much of Da Vinci's original vision remains intact? At least we're able to get a taste of Da Vinci's wondrous work.
Another interest tidbit was mentioned. During WWII, the Allies forces bombarded Milano consistently, since Mussolini headquarters was located here. Well, a bomb struck Santa Maria delle Grazie in 1943, destroying much of the refectory and covenant. To everyone's surprise and wonder, the wall that held The Last Supper remained untouched!
I have to say that The Last Supper by Leonardo Da Vinci showcases the power of art. Its ability to combine history, beauty, immersion all within a single piece just astounds me. And on-top of all of this, The Last Supper does the impossible: conjures a window that peers into a fabled past.
Upon leaving the celestial work, we were introduced to a replica outside. This area is where our tour guide could explain some of the more interesting details of the painting without the constraints of the allotted time given with the original piece.
A gift shop was located there here, full of all sorts of memorabilia dedicated solely to The Last Supper. I picked up small magnet.
After such a fabulous experience, I returned to the Milano train station for Florence. My time in Milan had come to a close, but what a phenomenal way to end it!
Getting to experience Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper on my birthday will absolutely rank as one of the most memorable birthdays of all time. Wow!
