Vatican Museum Opening & Closing Hours
The Vatican Museums, home to some of the world’s most precious art and historical artifacts, including the iconic Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, offer a unique blend of spiritual and cultural enrichment.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to the opening hours of the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica in 2024, along with tips on the best times to visit.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you plan your visit effectively.
Vatican Museum Hours
General Opening Hours and Times
The Vatican Museums are open from 8 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, with the final entry permitted at 5 pm.
These extended hours offer ample time for visitors to explore the vast collections.
Vatican Museum Closing Days
The Vatican Museums will be closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month), January 1 and 6, March 19, April 1, May 1, June 29, August 14 and 15, November 1, December 25 and 26.
Last Sunday of Every Month
The Vatican Museums open from 9 am to 2 pm on the last Sunday of every month, with the last entry at 12.30 pm.
This is a perfect opportunity for those who prefer a shorter visit or are looking for a free entry option.
These extended hours offer ample time for visitors to explore the vast collections.
Extended Hours and Exceptions
Starting March 1, 2024, the Vatican Museums will extend their opening hours every Friday and Saturday from 8 am to 8 pm, with the last entry at 6 pm.
This is ideal for those who prefer evening visits or have limited daytime availability.
Temporary and Extraordinary Closures of the Vatican Museums
In addition to the regular opening hours and annual closure dates, there are specific dates in 2024 when the Vatican Museums will experience temporary and extraordinary closures.
Visitors planning their trip should take note of these closures to avoid any inconvenience.
14th February 2024 Closure
- Sector Affected: All sectors of the Vatican Museums
- Closure Period: The Museums will be closed on 14 February from 8 am to 9 a.m.
- Last Entrance: No last entrance time will be applicable as the closure is in the morning.
22nd March 2024 Closure
- Sector Affected: All sectors of the Vatican Museums
- Closure Period: On 22nd March, the Museums will be closed from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
- Last Entrance: The last entrance time is not applicable on this date due to the morning closure.
These temporary closures are essential for maintaining and preserving the Museum’s priceless collections and the safety and comfort of its visitors.
Before planning your visit, it is always advisable to check the Vatican Museums’ official website for any last-minute changes to opening times or unforeseen closures.
For a better understanding of Vatican Museum hours and opening/closing days, refer to the Vatican Museum calendar attached below.
Operating Hours of the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica
Sistine Chapel Hours
The Sistine Chapel follows the same opening hours as the Vatican Museums.
It’s open from 8 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday and on the last Sunday of each month from 9 am to 2 pm.
The Sistine Chapel is a must-visit for its breathtaking frescoes, including Michelangelo’s renowned ceiling.
St. Peter’s Basilica Hours
St. Peter’s Basilica welcomes visitors daily throughout the year.
During the winter season (October 1 – March 31), it’s open from 7:00 am to 6:30 pm, and;
During the summer season (April 1 – September 30), from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm.
This offers flexibility for visitors to plan their visit according to the season.
Opening hours and days of Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo
The Papal Palace in Castel Gandolfo is accessible to the public from Monday to Friday, between 9 AM and 2 PM. On Saturdays, visitors are welcome from 10 AM until 7 PM.
The Palace is closed on the following dates: February 11, March 19, and all Sundays.
For a better understanding of the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo’s operating hours, refer to the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo – Calendar 2024 pdf attached below.
Best Time to Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel
To avoid large crowds, the best time to visit is early in the morning, right at the opening time of 8 am.
The hours between 8 am and 11 am are usually less crowded. Weekdays typically see fewer visitors compared to weekends.
The off-season months from November through February are less crowded, although special events like papal audiences or Christmas mass can attract more visitors regardless of the time.
How long does it take to tour the Vatican City and its major highlights?
For visitors planning their journey through the Vatican, it’s helpful to have an idea of how much time you might spend at each key attraction.
This breakdown provides a rough estimate of the time required to explore the main highlights of the Vatican, ensuring you can plan your visit effectively.
| Attraction | Tour Duration |
|---|---|
| Vatican Museums | 2 hours |
| Sistine Chapel | 30 minutes |
| St. Peter’s Square | 30 minutes |
| St. Peter Basilica | 1 hour |
FAQs
1. What are the opening hours of the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are open from 8 am to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday. The last entry is at 5 pm.
2. Is the Vatican Museum open on Sundays?
The Vatican Museum is closed on Sundays except for the last Sunday of each month.
3. What are the opening hours on the last Sunday of each month?
On the last Sunday of each month, the Vatican Museums open from 9 am to 2 pm, with the last entry at 12.30 pm.
4. Are there any days when the Vatican Museums are closed?
Yes, the Vatican Museums are closed on several days, including January 1 and 6, March 19, April 1, May 1, June 29, August 14 and 15, November 1, December 25 and 26.
5. Do the Vatican Museums offer extended hours?
Yes, from March 1, 2024, the Vatican Museums will have extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays, from 8 am to 8 pm, with the last entry at 6 pm.
6. Is entry to the Vatican Museums free on the last Sunday of the month?
Yes, entry is free on the last Sunday of each month during the specified opening hours.
7. What are the opening hours for the Sistine Chapel?
The Sistine Chapel follows the same hours as the Vatican Museums.
Monday to Saturday: 8 am to 7 pm; (Last Entry – 5 pm)
Last Sunday of every month: 9 am to 2 pm; (Last Entry – 12.30 pm)
8. Can I visit St. Peter’s Basilica during the same hours as the Vatican Museums?
St. Peter’s Basilica has different opening hours:
7:00 am to 6:30 pm in winter and 7:00 am to 7:00 pm in summer.
9. What is the best time to visit the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel to avoid crowds?
Early mornings right at 8 am, especially on weekdays, are typically less crowded.
10. How long does it typically take to tour the Vatican Museums?
A typical visit can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on your interest level.
11. What days are the Vatican museums closed?
The Vatican Museum is closed on the following dates in 2024:
- January 1
- January 6
- 19 March
- 1 April
- 1 May
- 29 June
- 14 August
- 15 August
- 1 November
- 25 December
- 26 December
12. Can I visit the Vatican Museum at night?
Yes, you can visit the Vatican Museum at night with the Vatican Night tour tickets.
The night tour of the Vatican will help you see the museum in a whole new light.
Suggested Articles
Featured Photo by Francisco Ghisletti on Unsplash