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What are Vatican Museums opening hours?

Today

Open 08:00–20:00

Last Admission

18:00

Best time to visit the Vatican Museums

Weekday vs Weekend

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  • Monday, Tuesday & Thursday are optimal for visiting the Vatican, with fewer tourists. Mornings are generally quieter and recommended during the high season. Friday evenings can be busier due to the extended hours at the museum.
  • Visit the museums first if you are visiting Vatican on a Wednesday, as mornings might be busier, particularly because of the Papal audience, which draws larger crowds to St. Peter’s Basilica.
  • Weekends are the busiest, with Saturday facing extreme crowds. Arriving around 8am-9am is best on these days. Sundays are generally quieter, except for the last Sunday of the month when free entry to the Museums attracts large crowds.

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

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  • Peak Season (April to October) aligns with the European summer holidays. The weather is warm, making it ideal for exploring, but this is when the Vatican sees the highest influx of tourists, leading to longer waits. Afternoons are better for visits during this period, as the crowds tend to diminish.
  • Low Season (November to March) experiences fewer visitors, except for the Christmas and Easter periods. The weather is cooler and more comfortable for visiting, and the crowds are significantly less dense, making it a good time to enjoy the Vatican at a more leisurely pace.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

Vatican Mass Timings

Papal Basilica of Saint Peter

  • Weekdays Mass schedule: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 5pm
  • Sundays and Holiday Mass schedule: 9am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:15pm, 1pm, 4pm, 5:30pm

Basilica of Saint John Lateran

  • Winter schedule: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 5pm
    Sunday: 5pm, 6pm
  • Summer schedule: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 6pm

Basilica of Saint Mary Major

  • Sunday: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 6pm
  • Monday-Saturday: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10am, 12pm, 6pm

Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

  • Weekday Winter schedule: 6:45am, 8am, 9am, 10:30am, 5pm
  • Summer schedule:
    Public holidays: 7am, 8am, 9am, 10:30am, 12pm, 6pm
    Saturday and before public holidays: 6pm

Benedictine Abbey of Saint Paul Outside the Walls

  • Monday-Saturday: 8:30am, 12:30pm, 4pm, 7pm

​Attend Vatican Mass

How much time do I need to explore the Vatican Museums?

To thoroughly explore the Vatican Museums, which is a vast and intricate attraction, you should allocate at least 4 hours. This duration allows you to appreciate the major galleries, including the Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and the various art, sculpture, and historical collections, without feeling rushed.

Given the extensive range of art and historical artifacts on display, covering everything in one visit can be challenging. If you have a strong interest in art or history, you might even consider spending a full day to delve deeper into the collections and enjoy the details.

For a more focused visit, targeting specific areas of interest like the Sistine Chapel and the Pinacoteca, 2 to 3 hours could suffice. However, keep in mind that the museums are vast, and there's a considerable amount of walking involved, so it’s wise to allow some extra time for rest and contemplation of the artworks.

​Plan your visit

Frequently asked questions about Vatican Museums timings

Vatican City is open on Sundays, but the Vatican Museums are closed except the last Sunday of each month when entry is free from 9 am to 2 pm. St. Peter's Basilica is open for mass.

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