1980 Sixtina

About this board game

1980 Sixtina is a competitive board game for 2–4 players, with games lasting around 45 minutes, in which restorers strive to excel at revitalizing the majesty of the Sistine Chapel.

Players take on the meticulous task of restoring areas of this iconic Renaissance landmark. Following the Vatican’s guidelines, they must employ different restoration techniques according to the requirements of each area.

Yet restoration is not simply a matter of following institutional instructions. The game explores the tension between the Vatican’s criteria and the judgment of a skilled restorer, creating the possibility of controversial restorations that experts may value more highly than the Vatican institution itself.

• Compete as restorers seeking to excel at the restoration challenge.
• Use techniques suited to the requirements of each area.
• Navigate the difference between Vatican guidelines and expert opinion.
• Experience a setting where art, history, and preservation meet.

The game is inspired by the real restoration of the Sistine Chapel in 1980, a significant milestone in preserving the Renaissance artistic legacy. Led by a team of experts, the ambitious project involved years of meticulous cleaning and consolidation work.

That restoration revealed vibrant colors and intricate details hidden beneath centuries of dirt and degradation. It revitalized one of art history’s most iconic masterpieces and encouraged renewed appreciation for preserving the world’s cultural heritage.

In 1980 Sixtina, every brushstroke becomes part of a broader challenge: satisfy the requirements of the restoration while making judgments that may be recognized differently by institutions and experts. It is a concise competition where artistic decisions and historical preservation are closely intertwined.