The Michelangelo audio-animatronic on Spaceship Earth in EPCOT has not been functioning since before the park closure. After many months, “Immobilangelo”—as we so lovingly referred to him—is once again painting from his laid back position in the Sistine Chapel.

As we move into The Renaissance (thanks to Arab and Jewish scholars), Michelangelo Buonarroti is seen painting the Sistine ceiling to a chorus of “Hallelujahs”. This scene in Spaceship Earth pays homage to the work of Italian artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, as part of the peak of 15th and 16th century Renaissance art.

Fans of Spaceship Earth will recall that in 2007, the paintbrush was moved to Michelangelo’s right hand. Whether this is historically accurate or not is still debated, but in any case, it gave us a better view of the artist’s face.

You can watch our video of the repaired Michelangelo audio-animatronic inside Spaceship Earth below:

With permits recently filed for Spaceship Earth, it may be that the attraction’s extensive refurbishment and reimagining is on the horizon. Are you looking forward to seeing updates to Spaceship Earth at EPCOT? Let us know in the comments below.