This Day in History: <br />Sistine Chapel Ceiling Opens to Public.<br />November 1, 1512.<br />The breathtaking series of ceiling <br />frescoes where painted by <br />Renaissance artist Michelangelo Buonarroti <br />over the span of four years.<br />They are widely considered his <br />most memorable work, as well <br />as some of the greatest paintings <br />of the Western world.<br />Located in the papal chapel <br />within the Vatican Palace, Michelangelo's <br />work in the Sistine Chapel was <br />commissioned by Pope Julius II in 1508. .<br />The frescoes depict scenes from <br />the Old Testament, the most famous <br />of which is 'The Creation of Adam.'.<br />Michelangelo painted much of <br />the Sistine Chapel lying on his back atop <br />of a series of scaffolding. The accomplishment <br />took a great physical toll on the artist.<br />In addition to being a popular tourist <br />destination, the Sistine Chapel is used <br />by the Sacred College of Cardinals to <br />conduct the election of the new pope
