When a person travels a lot, they naturally (well, more like “hopefully”) learn the ins and outs of traveling. They learn the unwritten rules, such as international tipping (here’s a guide of who, what, why, where, when and how much) and how to not be an annoying passenger. They also learn the written rules, such as no photography in some locales.
Jason Momoa has been in dozens of movies and TV shows for the past 20+ years and has traveled for many of them. Among other locations, he’s been to Alaska to film Sugar Mountain, the U.K. to film scenes for Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom, and Canada for countless movies and TV appearances. So he’s obviously no newbie to traveling and all that goes with it.
Most recently, Momoa has been in Rome for filming Fast and Furious X. During some downtime, he and a handful of friends and crew members did some sightseeing and wound up at the Sistine Chapel.
On May 9th, Momoa posted a picture of them below the famous Michelangelo paintings that adorn the walls and ceilings of the chapel. In the caption, he wrote, “I LOVE YOU ITALY what a beautiful start to our day off enjoying ROMA.”
There’s just one big problem – under normal circumstances, no one is allowed to take pictures inside the Sistine Chapel. There are signs posted all over that say as much, and multiple guards who are quick to tell you that photography isn’t allowed (Fun Fact: Most people think it’s because of the fear of camera flashes ruining the priceless paintings but that’s not how the rule started. Here’s the real reason).
Anyway, outspoken fans were quick to point out what appeared to them to be the poor form. Others couldn’t help but bring up the differences between the “haves” and the “have nots” (I guess as one does when one’s anonymous on social media?)
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All I remember about that place was ‘no photos please’ 😂 – ra1sedbyw0lves
- sad that the church sells itself to the highest bidder. As a Catholic I know the St Peter’s basilica & the Sistine is a holy place but I didn’t know that if you give a hefty donation you can do just about anything. – marlen714
- When I was there, it was packed, and all we could hear above din was the guards barking at everyone about not taking pictures / videos. Mr. M is a very lucky man – clarewilson5182
- different sets of rules for the rich and famous. Not a good look. – philp1961
Then one person mentioned this:
- it’s a tour called Wake Up the Vatican. Only 14 allowed at a time. You meet at the Vatican gate at 5:30am. The key master and a tour guide greets you. You then follow them around the Vatican and unlock doors, turn on lights and yes, get to go into the chapel and take non flash picts and video. It is extremely quiet and very private. At the end of the tour you get a breakfast before all of the crowds arrive by 8:30am. I did this tour. It is open to anyone, but books quickly. – heatherdwyer44
After I did some researched, it appears that tour is not available at this time, but was an option in the past. There is a Vatican VIP tour that’s similar. That being said, obviously, some concessions can be made for privacy and even photos at times.
Anyway, before Momoa left Rome, he posted a video with an apology (heads up for some NSFW adult language):
Was he in the wrong? Based on what he said, it doesn’t seem like it. Did he need to apologize? Probably not. But it was still a nice gesture. So good on him.
Feature Photo: Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia
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