Exploring the Vatican Museums: What to Know Before You Go

The Vatican Museums in Vatican City house one of the most extensive and significant art collections in the world. With over 70,000 works across roughly 1,400 rooms, the museums are not just a top Vatican destination, they are among the most rewarding cultural experiences in Italy. For travelers compiling a list of essential things to do in Rome, a visit to the Vatican Museums is a must.

This guide covers the museums’ history, main highlights, practical information, and how to make the most of your visit.

What Are the Vatican Museums?

Located within Vatican City, the world’s smallest independent state, the Vatican Museums contain an immense collection of art and historical objects collected by the Catholic Church and papacy over many centuries. The collections span from ancient Egyptian artifacts to Renaissance masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael.

Most visitors follow a one-way route through the museums that ends in the Sistine Chapel, home to some of the most iconic frescoes in art history.

Historical Overview

The Vatican Museums were established in 1506, when Pope Julius II acquired the ancient sculpture Laocoön and His Sons. He placed it in public view within the Octagonal Courtyard, forming the foundation of what would eventually become a museum complex.

Over the centuries, successive popes commissioned some of the most well-known works in Western art. Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling between 1508 and 1512, and The Last Judgment between 1534 and 1541. Raphael and his students created the frescoes in the Raphael Rooms, and various popes added new museums to house collections from Egypt, Etruria, Greece, and Rome.

Highlights to See Inside

The museum complex is vast, and seeing everything in a single visit is not realistic. Here are the most notable areas to prioritize.

Sistine Chapel

Located at the end of the museum route, the Sistine Chapel features Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment on the altar wall. Other artists, including Botticelli and Perugino, painted the side walls. Photography is not allowed, and the space is often crowded.

Raphael Rooms

Before reaching the Sistine Chapel, visitors can explore four rooms decorated by Raphael and his workshop. These include The School of Athens, The Fire in the Borgo, and other major Renaissance frescoes. Once you enter the Sistine Chapel, you cannot return to this section.

Gallery of Maps

This long corridor, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII, features 40 frescoed maps of Italy. The ceiling is also richly decorated and makes this one of the most photographed galleries.

Gallery of Tapestries

The tapestries in this hall depict events from the life of Jesus and scenes from the papacy. They are large and detailed, with some taking nearly a decade to complete.

Pio-Clementine Museum

This section contains many of the Vatican’s ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, including the Apollo Belvedere, the Laocoön, and the Belvedere Torso. The Round Room and Cabinet of Masks are also located here, the latter accessible only through guided tours.

Chiaramonti Museum

Founded in the early 1800s, this museum includes a gallery of over 1,000 sculptures. Highlights include the Augustus of Prima Porta and a reclining statue of the Nile River.

Pinacoteca

This painting gallery contains works by major Italian masters, such as Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio. Notable pieces include Raphael’s Transfiguration and Madonna of Foligno.

Egyptian and Etruscan Museums

Founded in the 19th century, these museums display sarcophagi, statues, mummies, and ancient inscriptions. They are less crowded and well-suited for those interested in archaeology.

Modern Religious Art

This collection includes modern works by artists such as Gauguin, Chagall, and Kandinsky. It offers a contrast to the Renaissance-heavy galleries and is located in the Borgia Apartment.

Bramante Staircase

There are two spiral staircases known by this name. The modern one, built in 1932, is used as the main museum exit. The original staircase from 1505 is only accessible via premium guided tours and is rarely included in standard visits.

How to Plan Your Visit

Tickets and Entry

• General admission: €20
• Online reservation fee: €5

Booking tickets online is highly recommended. Walk-up ticket lines during peak seasons can exceed three hours. If the official website is sold out, consider using a reputable tour provider. Avoid unofficial ticket sellers in St. Peter’s Square.

Free Admission Days

The museums are free on the last Sunday of each month, but expect large crowds. This offer is not valid if the last Sunday falls on a major religious holiday.

Opening Hours

• Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM)
• Last Sunday of the month: 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (last entry at 12:30 PM)

Check the official website for any changes or special closures.

Best Times to Go

• Early morning admission is ideal, especially if included in a guided tour
• Wednesday mornings are usually quieter inside the museums due to the Papal audience at St. Peter’s Square
• Afternoons may have shorter lines, but less time is available for a full visit

Dress Code

All visitors must cover shoulders and knees. Failure to comply may result in being denied entry to the museums or the Sistine Chapel.

Photography

Photos are allowed in most areas, but taking pictures inside the Sistine Chapel is not permitted.

Directions and Transportation

The entrance to the Vatican Museums is on Viale Vaticano. The closest Metro stations are:

• Ottaviano – San Pietro – Musei Vaticani
• Cipro

Both stations are on Metro Line A and are about a 5 to 10-minute walk from the museum entrance. The Roma San Pietro train station is nearby if you are arriving by regional train.

How Much Time Do You Need?

• General visit: Plan for 3 to 4 hours
• Quick visit: About 2 to 2.5 hours
• In-depth experience: A full day or multiple visits for art and history enthusiasts

Since the museums are too large to see in one visit, it helps to identify the galleries and collections that interest you the most before you go.

Helpful Tips

• Wear comfortable shoes, as walking is extensive
• Bring water, but large bags must be checked at the entrance
• Consider a guided tour to learn more and access lesser-known areas
• Some tours offer a direct passageway to St. Peter’s Basilica, bypassing the standard line
• The museum offers cafés, restrooms, and a gift shop inside

Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica the Same Day

You can visit St. Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Museums in one day, but the experience can feel rushed. If you have the time, consider visiting them on separate days.

Some guided tours include access to a private passage between the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica, allowing you to avoid the long entry line at the square.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a separate ticket for the Sistine Chapel?
No. The Sistine Chapel is included in your Vatican Museums ticket.

Can I take photos in the museums?
Yes, except in the Sistine Chapel where photography is strictly prohibited.

Do I need my passport to enter Vatican City?
No. Although Vatican City is a separate country, you do not go through a border check.

Is the museum accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes. Elevators and ramps are available, and alternate routes can be arranged.

Are food and drinks allowed inside?
Snacks and drinks are not allowed in most galleries, but there are cafés within the museum complex.

Should I take a guided tour?
A guided tour can provide deeper insight and may include early access or entry to special areas.