The Vatican on Wednesday unveiled new high-tech, energy-saving lighting and air purification systems to protect Michelangelo's delicate Sistine Chapel frescoes from damage caused by ever-growing crowds of tourists.
Dust brought in from outside, body sweat and carbon dioxide pose a major risk to the masterpieces, which are more than 500 years old. They include one of the most famous scenes in the history of art — the arm of a gentle bearded God reaching out to give life to Adam.
To protect the frescoes, the Vatican has decided to restrict the number of visitors to the chapel — where popes are elected in secret conclaves — to 6 million a year.