The Vatican Museums is home to a collection of roughly 70,000 works, including some of the most prominent Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings, which have been amassed by the Catholic Church and the papacy over the centuries. Of these, only 20,000 are on display. To accommodate such a large number of artworks, the Vatican City has created 54 galleries that have come to be known as the Vatican Museums. Here's your guide to navigating the interiors of this landmark and its vast collections.

Know More About Vatican Museums >

Inside the Vatican Museums | Page guide

Why go inside the Vatican Museums
What's inside the Vatican Museums
How to explore the Vatican Museums
Book Vatican Museums tickets
Navigating inside the Vatican Museums
Frequently asked questions about what's inside the Vatican Museums

Why go inside the Vatican Museums

More than just a stop on a tourist itinerary, the Vatican Museums offer one of the most breathtaking journeys through human creativity, faith, and history. Step beyond the gates and you’re walking into centuries of art, ambition, and architectural wonder—all curated by popes and preserved for the world.

Iconic art spanning centuries

Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: Stand beneath one of the most famous ceilings in the world and see The Creation of Adam up close.
Raphael Rooms: Explore intricate frescoes commissioned by Pope Julius II that still thrum with power and grace.
Gallery of Maps & Tapestries: Walk through immersive corridors that symbolize military conquests and biblical visions.
A glimpse into Papal history: Discover how art shaped papal power—each room reflects a different era of influence, from the Renaissance to the Baroque.

Uncover other secrets of the Vatican

Must-see sections for first-timers

Pinecone Courtyard – A serene start to your journey with grand sculptures and open sky.
Pio-Clementino museum – Home to the Vatican’s most prized classical sculptures, including Laocoön and His Sons.
Gallery of Tapestries – Gaze at intricate Flemish tapestries that seem to move with you—yes, optical illusions existed in the 1500s too.
Borgia Apartments – Lavishly decorated rooms once lived in by Pope Alexander VI, now filled with art celebrating early Christian history.
Modern religious art – Picasso, Dali, and Van Gogh meet theology—showing you that faith and modernism can coexist.

Too much to see? Start here

With over 20,000 artworks on display, knowing what to focus on makes your visit far more rewarding.
Booking an experience like Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St. Peter's Basilica Guided Tour can help you skip the long entry lines and focus on what really matters, offering context you can’t get from placards alone.

What's inside the Vatican Museums

Michelangelo's Creation of Adam displayed in the Sistine Chapel

Bramante staircase at the Vatican Musuems

1/6

Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo’s heavenly masterpiece tucked away at the end of your museum path
Why it matters: The ceiling frescoes, including The Creation of Adam, and The Last Judgment behind the altar are considered the pinnacle of Renaissance art.
Pro tip: It’s the final stop—time your visit early or late in the day to avoid the thickest crowds. Silence is strictly enforced.

Plan your visit
Book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues. Timed-entry slots mean you must arrive on time—carry a valid photo ID. Mornings (before 10 AM) are ideal to beat the crowds. Average visits take 2.5–3 hours, but art lovers may need more.
Accessibility & Rules
The museums are wheelchair accessible with dedicated routes. Modest clothing is required—cover shoulders and knees. No large bags allowed. Photography is prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
Tips
Visit the Raphael Rooms before the Sistine Chapel for a quieter experience. Water fountains and snack bars are located along the visitor route.
Tickets
Our skip-the-line and guided tours handle entry hassles, so you can focus on soaking it all in.

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

‌
‌

‌

Book Vatican Museums tickets

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

Flexible duration

More details

from

€31.92

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour with St. Peter's Basilica

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

2 hr - 3 hr

More details

from

€59.92

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

Mobile ticket

2 hr - 3 hr

More details

from

€59

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour

Instant confirmation

Mobile ticket

2 hr - 3 hr

More details

from

€69

Navigating inside the Vatican Museums

Visitor trail

Description

Highlights

Best for

Duration

Express route

A fast-paced tour that takes you to the three biggest highlights

Pinecone Courtyard, Gallery of Maps, Sistine Chapel

First-timers

1 hour

Classic highlights tour

Covers all the must-sees in a logical, seamless route

Pio-Clementino Museum, Raphael Rooms, Gallery of Tapestries, Sistine Chapel

First-timers who want a well-rounded experience

1.5-2 hours

Masterpieces trail

Zooms in on the most famous and photographed artworks

Laocoön, Belvedere Torso, School of Athens, The Last Judgment

Art lovers & photography enthusiasts

2-3 hours

Hidden gems route

Lesser-known but stunning corners off the main path

Cabinet of the Masks, Carriage Pavilion, Gregorian Etruscan Museum

Repeat visitors & quiet explorers

1.5-2 hours

Faith & art trail

Traces the evolution of religious art, from early Christianity to contemporary times

Early Christian sarcophagi, Modern Religious Art, Sistine Chapel

Pilgrims & theology buffs

2-2.5 hours

Don’t just visit—experience the Vatican Museums with purpose

Getting lost in the Vatican Museums is easy; there’s over 7km of art-filled halls and more masterpieces than you can count. A guided tour helps you cut through the chaos. Want to make the most of your visit? Take this tour and leave with more than just photos.

Book now

Frequently asked questions about what's inside the Vatican Museums

What's inside the Vatican Museum?

Inside the Vatican Museums, you will find an extensive collection of artworks, including Roman sculptures and Renaissance paintings that had been amassed by the Catholic Church and papacy over the centuries.

Can you tour inside the Vatican Museums?

Yes, absolutely. You can visit and tour inside the Vatican Museums by purchasing the tickets to Vatican Museums here.

How many rooms are in the Vatican Museum?

The Vatican Museums is made of 54 museums, featuring a grand total of 1400 rooms, chapels, and galleries.

Can you take pictures in the Vatican Museum?

Photography is allowed in some parts of the Museums, but only for personal use. However, it is strictly forbidden in some parts, like the Sistine Chapel.

Is it free to view inside the Vatican Museums?

No, you need to purchase a ticket to enjoy access to the Vatican Museums. You can buy your Vatican Museums entry tickets here.

Is the Vatican Museum worth it?

Absolutely! A visit to the Vatican Museums is a must, offering a priceless collection of the world's greatest masterpieces. It's an experience worth having at least once in your lifetime.

Are there specific highlights or must-see artworks inside the Vatican Museums?

Inside the Vatican Museums, you will discover a vast array of priceless artworks, including sculptures, paintings, tapestries, and historical artifacts from various periods of art history. Some of the main highlights include Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Raphael Rooms, and the Gallery of Maps, showcasing breathtaking masterpieces and historical treasures.

Are there facilities like restrooms and cafes inside the Vatican Museums?

Yes, there are restrooms, cafes, and souvenir shops within the Vatican Museums, providing visitors with amenities for a comfortable and enjoyable visit.