Explore the iconic Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most famous artworks and historical artifacts. 

Dive into the impressive art collection and architecture that make the Vatican Museums a must-visit cultural landmark.

This Vatican Museums visiting guide offers all the information necessary for a smooth and enjoyable experience.

What is Vatican Museums?

The Vatican Museums, located within Vatican City, house over 70,000 artworks that are exhibited in more than 54 galleries. 

Established by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, they are home to masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael’s School of Athens. 

It also features a wide range of classical sculptures, Renaissance works, and Egyptian artifacts, making them a must-visit for art lovers.

What to expect at Vatican Museums?

You will discover an amazing collection of precious artworks spanning centuries in the Vatican Museums. 

The museums feature a broad list of sculptures, paintings, and historical items highlighting human creativity and history. 

Prepare to be blown away by the beauty of the artworks located in the Vatican Museums.

What to see at the Vatican Museum?

Here’s what you can see at the Vatican Museums:

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel, formerly known as the Cappella Magna (Great Chapel), is the final room to visit inside the Vatican Museums. 

Its interior is decorated with stunning frescoes, including Michelangelo’s artwork on the ceiling. 

These frescoes depict stories from the lives of Christ and Moses, making them a must-see for visitors.

Raphael’s Rooms

Known as The Stanza, the Raphael Rooms were originally meant to serve as a suite of apartments for Pope Julius II. 

These rooms are famous for the frescoes painted by Raphael, which portray Renaissance art in Rome.

Contemporary Art Collection

The contemporary art collection inside the Vatican Museum comprises over 800 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and graphic art by over 250 international artists. 

These artifacts range from the 19th century to the early 20th century and were collected over ten years.

Pio Clementino Museum

The Pio Clementino Museum showcases ancient sculptures collected by Pope Julius II. 

These sculptures were discovered in Rome and Lazio and were kindly donated by collectors. 

In 1797, the Papal States had to give some of these sculptures to Napoleon, but they were later returned.

Jewish Lapidarium

The Jewish Lapidarium in the Vatican Museum has about 200 inscriptions from the Jewish catacombs of Monteverde. 

These catacombs, from the 17th century, were found in the early 20th century. 

The inscriptions tell us about the Roman Jewish community in the 3rd and 4th centuries.

Click here to read more about 12 exciting things to see inside the Vatican Museum.

Vatican Museum Tickets

Vatican Museum tickets are essential for exploring the Vatican Museums. 

These tickets grant access to a vast collection of treasures, including Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling and Raphael’s frescoes. 

There are different types of Vatican Museum tickets, such as entry tickets, skip-the-line tickets and guided tour tickets for a more informative visit.

Note – To avoid long lines and ensure a smooth entry into this cultural hub, buy tickets in advance.

Types of Vatican Museum Tickets

There are four types of Vatican Museum Tickets available:

• Vatican Museum Entry Ticket

This ticket grants skip-the-line access to Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Perfect for those who wish to admire art at their own pace without the wait.

• Vatican Museum Guided Tour

This ticket includes a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St Peter’s Basilica led by an expert guide.

 Ideal for first-time visitors and history buffs seeking a comprehensive overview.

• Vatican Museum Combo Tour

This combo tour includes skip-the-line access to the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica and a visit to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill.

This package is perfect for travel enthusiasts wanting to maximize their time in Rome.

• Vatican Museum Private Tour

This private tour ticket lets you personalize your tour and provides fast-track access to the Vatican’s top attractions, such as the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. 

Tailored for those desiring a more personalized experience with the flexibility to explore at their own interest.

Vatican Museum Tickets Price

For your convenience, here is a comprehensive list of Vatican Museum ticket prices:

For a smoother experience, use the “Buy Now” button for quick and seamless ticket booking.

Tickets	Price	Booking Link
Vatican Museum Entry Ticket	€ 31	Buy Now
Vatican Museum Guided Tour	€ 144	Buy Now
Vatican Museum Combo Tour	€ 69	Buy Now
Vatican Museum Private Tour	€ 245	Buy Now

Vatican Museum Tickets Discount

Discounts on Vatican Museum tickets are typically age-based, offering reduced prices for children and students. 

For example, the entry ticket for adults (19 to 99 years) is €31, and children aged 6 to 18 can enjoy a discounted rate of € 20. Kids under five get in free.

Additionally, students up to 25 years old are eligible for a discounted ticket.

However, they must have a valid student ID.

Where to buy Vatican Museum Tickets?

The Vatican Museum tickets can be purchased online through the official website or at the venue.

We recommend buying Vatican Museum tickets online to skip the line and ensure a seamless entry to the museum.

Simply visit the website, select your tickets, and complete the online purchase process.

How to purchase Vatican Museum Tickets?

Booking Vatican Museum Tickets online is super easy and the best way to plan your visit. 

Here’s how you can do it:

• Click here to get directed to the ticket booking website. 
• Browse the available tickets and select the one that suits you best. 
• Choose the number of participants and the date of your visit. 
• Select your preferred time slot, as Vatican tickets are timed. 
• Proceed to payment and complete the transaction. 
• You will receive the tickets in an email once the payment is approved.
• No need to print them. Just show the tickets on your mobile at the museum entrance.

Advantages of buying Vatican Museum Tickets online

Here are the advantages of buying Vatican Museum tickets online:

Cost-effective – Online tickets are often cheaper than tickets purchased at the venue.

Time-saving – Avoid long queues at the ticket counter by purchasing tickets online.

Availability – Secure your preferred time slot and avoid last-minute disappointments.

Easy access – Receive your tickets via email.

Note – To learn more about Vatican tickets, click here.

Vatican Museum Opening Hours

The Vatican Museums are open from Monday through Saturday, from 8 am to 7 pm, with the final entry at 5 pm.

Starting from 1 March, on Friday and Saturday, the museum has extended opening hours until 8 pm, with the final entry at 6 pm.

Additionally, every last Sunday of the month, the museum is open from 9 am to 2 pm, with the final entry at 12.30 pm.

It is recommended to visit the official website for the most recent information on opening hours.

Day	Opening Hours	Closing Hours	Final Entry
Monday to Saturday	8 am	7 pm	5 pm
Friday and Saturday from 1 March	8 am	8 pm	6 pm
Last Sunday of every month	9 am	2 pm	12.30 pm

To learn more about the Vatican Museums opening hours, click here.

Best time to visit Vatican Museum

The best time to visit the Vatican Museums is early in the morning when they open at 8 am. 

This way, you can avoid the large crowds. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

The best months to visit the Vatican Museum are November to February, which are usually less crowded.

How long does it take to visit Vatican Museum?

It typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours to see everything in the Vatican Museums. 

However, the time varies depending on how fast you walk and how much you want to see. 

The museums have a lot of art and historic items to look at, like paintings, sculptures, and old objects. 

You must allocate more time if you also wish to visit St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Gardens.

Vatican Museum Map

A Vatican Museum map is essential for navigating the fifth-largest art museum globally, which covers over 460,000 square feet.

The Vatican Museum map helps visitors to navigate the vast collection easily.

Maps are provided at the venue free of charge, but getting one can be hard due to long lines.

To read more in-depth about the Vatican Museum map and download the map, Click here.

Vatican City Dress Code

The Vatican City has a strict dress code for visitors.

This means you should cover your shoulders and knees and avoid wearing clothing with offensive symbols. 

Following these guidelines is important to show respect for the Vatican’s spiritual values. 

Click here to learn more about the Vatican’s dress code, including what to wear and where.

Vatican Museum Rules and Regulations

Visitors must follow the Vatican Museum Rules and Regulations to protect the museum’s artifacts and ensure everyone’s comfort. 

These rules cover various aspects, such as photography policies, prohibited items, and behavior guidelines. 

Here are some rules and regulations to keep in mind when visiting the Vatican Museums:

Photography

Personal or social media photography is permitted, but flash photography is prohibited. 

Professional equipment like cameras, tripods, and selfie sticks is not allowed.

Prohibited Items

Items like knives, sharp objects, large umbrellas, and bags over 40 x 35 x 15cm are prohibited.

Food and Drink

No eating or drinking while walking around the museum. 

Plastic water bottles are allowed. 

No Touching

Do not touch sculptures or paintings. 

Security cameras and alarms are in place to prevent this.

To read more about various Vatican Museum rules and regulations, Click here.

How to reach Vatican Museum?

The Vatican Museums is located in Vatican City at Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome.

Here is an overview of modes of transportation to reach the Vatican Museum:

By Metro 

Take Line A and get off at Ottaviano-S. Pietro Station, which is the nearest metro stop.

By Tram

Tram Line 19 stops at Piazza del Risorgimento, which is near the Vatican Museums.

By Bus

Bus no 49 stops in front of the Vatican Museums. 

Buses 32, 81, 982 stop at Piazza del Risorgimento. 

Buses 492, 990 stop at Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni.

For detailed information on how to reach the Vatican, including transportation options, refer to the How to Reach Vatican article.

FAQs

Featured Image: Saint Peter’s – Vatican City Stock photos by Vecteezy