On December 11, 2025, Rome came to Austin—along with an unforgettable reminder of the power of connection in retirement. Thanks to a special invitation from the Sistine Chapel Immersive Art Experience organizers, TRTA members were offered 100 complimentary tickets for a private visit at Barton Creek Mall. Led by District 13 President Joe Ramirez, nearly 80 TRTA members gathered to experience the breathtaking exhibit together, turning an extraordinary cultural event into a meaningful day of fellowship and shared discovery.
For many attendees, the remarkable presentation of Michelangelo’s frescoes—alongside masterpieces by Botticelli, Perugino, and others—was more than visually stunning. It was deeply emotional.
“I had no idea the Sistine Chapel Immersive Art Experience would be so amazing,” said Norma Jost, Chapter President of the Austin Retired Teachers Association. “I never expected how emotional the experience would be. Seeing the hands, feet, facial expressions, and even the creases in the fabric so up close was truly moving.”
Norma described how the exhibit brought back memories from her youth and deepened her appreciation for Michelangelo’s mastery. “That room—wide and long like the Vatican itself—allowed the rich history to unfold so gracefully,” she shared. “This experience left me inspired in ways I never anticipated.”
For Gloria Cisneros Lenior, Chapter Legislative Chair of the Austin Retired Teachers Association, the exhibit felt like a return to a lifelong love of art and learning. “I felt like I went to Italy in a few hours,” she said. “Being in the ‘Immersion’ room was thrilling. It is a wonderful human experience to go to the Sistine Chapel Immersive Experience.”
Both local leaders emphasized that experiences like this are a powerful reminder of the value of TRTA membership—not just socially, but personally and purposefully.
“This TRTA opportunity clearly demonstrates the value of membership,” Norma explained. “The discounted ticket pricing, informative materials, and volunteer and paid opportunities are benefiting so many retired public educators.” She added that the exclusive member discount is “an excellent way to grow membership while offering a truly unforgettable experience.”
Gloria echoed that sentiment, noting how engagement opportunities of this nature complement TRTA’s advocacy work. “Being a member of TRTA is about maintaining the sustainability of TRS,” she said. “But adding an event in which one just enjoys beautiful art is so different and wonderful. This type of joyful event just brings good feelings to many.”
For Gloria, TRTA has also been a source of support and belonging. “I joined and found retired educators who would take their shirts off of their backs to help others out,” she shared. “TRTA is a vibrant organization. We can become more knowledgeable about our pension plan and also take part in activities that are enriching in our lives.”
As TRTA continues to advocate for retired school personnel—protecting pensions, safeguarding health care, and pushing for legislative action—events like the Sistine Chapel Experience highlight the heart of the association: connection, engagement, and purpose in retirement.
For those who attended, the day was a reminder that retirement with TRTA isn’t about slowing down—it’s about staying engaged, informed, and inspired together.
[As part of our partnership with the organizers, TRTA members and affiliates will receive a 25% discount on their ticket purchase by clicking the link: https://feverup.com/m/428906?c=trta or scanning the QR code below. — Now Open til April 26th, 2026. — Hours: Wed.-Fri. 1:00PM-6:30PM & Sat.-Sun. 11:00AM-6:30PM — Event Website: https://www.sistinechapelexperience.com/ ]
