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Inside the Vatican Museums | Art, architecture & the divine

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.

What's inside? Iconic art spanning centuries

You’re walking into centuries of art, ambition, and architectural wonder—all curated by popes and preserved for the world. Here's what you shouldn't miss:

  • 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.

Here's your guide to navigating the interiors of this landmark and its 54 museums.

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How to explore the Vatican Museums

This guide will help you navigate the highlights and soak in the experience stress-free, once you're inside.

Tour guide showing a group the intricacies of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican Museums, Rome, included in the Jubilee Silver Pass

Guided tours

If there’s one place where a guided tour is worth every cent, it’s the Vatican Museums:

  • With over 50 galleries and 20,000+ artworks on display, it’s nearly impossible to grasp the highlights—or even find them—without context. A guide helps you cut through the noise and focus on the masterpieces that matter.
  • From Michelangelo’s personal struggles in the Sistine Chapel to secret messages in Raphael’s frescoes, guides bring hidden layers to life in a way no audio guide or placard can.

Skip-the-line = Skip-the-stress

  • General admission lines at the Vatican Museums often stretch 1–2 hours, especially mid-morning and during peak season. A skip-the-line ticket lets you bypass these queues and enter via a fast-track entrance, cutting your wait to just 15–20 minutes—even on the busiest days—so you can spend more time inside the galleries and less time outside in line.
  • What does this mean? You save up to 90 minutes or more, leaving you enough time to linger longer at the Raphael Rooms, grab a coffee at the courtyard café, or even make it to St. Peter’s Basilica before the crowds arrive.
Vatican Museums guided tour
  • Best time to go: Arrive before 10 AM for thinner crowds and better photo ops.
  • How long to stay: A standard visit lasts around 2.5–3 hours, but serious art lovers might need half a day or more.
  • Map matters: Grab a museum map (or use the official app) at the entrance to avoid getting lost—there are few signs inside.
Detailed guide to visiting the Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums sculptures display with visitors exploring the gallery.
  • Dress code: Shoulders and knees must be covered—no exceptions.
  • Bag check: Large backpacks, tripods, and umbrellas must be stored in the cloakroom (free of charge).
  • Photography: Allowed in most galleries (no flash), strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
  • Security check: Similar to airport-style screening—arrive early to factor this in.
More rules and regulations
wheelchair accessibility
  • Wheelchair users can access a dedicated barrier-free route, covering key highlights like the Pinacoteca, Pio-Clementino Museum, Gallery of Tapestries, Raphael Rooms, and even the Sistine Chapel.
  • Elevators, ramps, and accessible restrooms are available across floors 1 and 2 of the complex.
  • A limited number of wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge at the cloakroom (valid ID required).
  • Caregivers accompanying visitors with disabilities are admitted for free.
  • For visitors with hearing or visual impairments, advance arrangements can be made for sign language guides or tactile tours.
washroom ear vatican museum
  • Beat the bathroom rush: Use the restrooms near the entrance—they're the cleanest and least crowded.
  • Souvenir shortcut: The museum shop near the exit is the largest. Avoid smaller ones en route unless you’re looking for something specific.
  • Exit via St. Peter’s Basilica (if allowed): This shortcut from the Sistine Chapel saves you a long walk around the Vatican walls.
Bramante Staircase
  • Ethnological Museum: Often skipped, but fascinating for its global collection of sacred art.
  • Carriage Pavilion: Don’t miss the Popemobiles and ceremonial berlins in the basement.
  • Bramante Staircase: The original is visible only on special tours, whereas the modern one is near the exit, close to the souvenir store.

Book Vatican Museums tickets

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Tickets

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

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2 hr. - 3 hr.
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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Guided Tour

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2 hr. - 3 hr.
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Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Premium Small Group Tour

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2 hr. - 3 hr.
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Now that you know what to look out for on each floor of the Vatican Museums, choose from the below itineraries to make the most of your visit.

Frequently asked questions about what's inside the Vatican Museums

Why should I go inside the Vatican Museums?

The Vatican Museums house one of the greatest art collections in the world, built over centuries by popes. From ancient Roman sculptures and Renaissance masterpieces to modern religious art, it's a visual journey through 3,000 years of history, culture, and faith.

What's the best way to tour the landmark?
  • Guided tours help you truly connect with the art—learn hidden stories, spot iconic details, and see the collections through an expert’s eyes.
  • Skip-the-line tickets save you hours of waiting and let you spend more time inside the museums, not standing outside in queues.
  • Private or early access tours offer a quieter, more exclusive experience—perfect for seeing highlights like the Sistine Chapel without the crowds.
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 inside 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. For more information, see the dedicated section we have for Vatican Museum rules.

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?

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

Whom should you contact for any assistance once you're inside the museum?

If you have questions once you're inside the Vatican Museums, look for the official museum staff—they wear identifiable uniforms and badges and are stationed throughout the galleries. For tour-specific queries, ask your licensed guide if you're part of a guided tour. There's also an information desk near the entrance for general assistance.

Is going inside the Vatican Museums 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.

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