Was last there in 1989 when they were in the process of cleaning the ceiling. It was amazing. I think we are going to try to head back in the fall and I am anxious to see it again.
I was there in 1996. Ceiling and judgement scene had been cleaned. They were still working on some of the non Michaelangelo side panels but that was it. Place was packed and I had taken binoculars in to observe it. Noise level was bad though. Every few minutes some official banged a staff on the floor and yelled Silencio!!!