Famous & Beautiful Ceilings Around the World

When you cast your eyes upward in a room, it's typical to see a wide and white expanse above you. However, some ceilings deserve a second glance due to their innovative beauty and design. If you consider a ceiling to be the crown of a room, it's no wonder that it can define the feel of the entire space. It's likely that your home cannot reach the same majesty as the Sistine Chapel, but you can inject unexpected design and decor into your rooms if you pay attention to your ceilings.

The Sistine Chapel and Other Famous Ceilings

Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between the years of 1508 and 1512. Michelangelo incorporated nine separate scenes from the biblical book of Genesis into this ceiling masterpiece. Not only did Michelangelo's paintings establish him as an unparalleled artist, but they also were influential on the artists who came later. Difficult work conditions challenged Michelangelo as he painted the Sistine Chapel. He stood on scaffolding and painted above his head to create the majestic scenes. Other notable ceilings include Saint Mary's Church in England, the Pantheon in Rome, and the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, located in Marseille.

  • Tim Krieger: Student Pages: Pennsylvania Rep. Krieger has compiled a comprehensive list of resources to assist students with research and studies.
  • Dr. Albrecht Classen: Renaissance: An educator with the University of Arizona shares informational links to assist students with Renaissance research.

Room at the Top

Historic ceilings can be found around the world in many different types of buildings. Sometimes, an architecturally distinct ceiling can be an unexpected surprise in a building. Layers of paint over the decades can lead to a loss of ornamental detail. Many ceilings may even present health dangers from lead in paint. Remodeling may involve restoration and rehabilitation to preserve historic ceilings. Remodeling can also involve the installation of decorative ceiling tiles. Ceiling tiles are available in numerous different materials, including metal, cork, plastic, and acoustical materials to help with reducing noise. Metal ceiling tiles can create a beautifully old-fashioned appearance in a room. When removing ceiling tiles from a ceiling, consider recycling them to prevent waste.