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What are Vatican Museums opening hours?

Today

Open 08:00–20:00

Last Admission

18:00

Vatican Museums

Jan 1 TO Feb 28 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Feb 28)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–20:0018:00
Tuesday08:00–20:0018:00
Wednesday (Today)08:00–20:0018:00
Thursday08:00–20:0018:00
Friday08:00–20:0018:00
Saturday08:00–20:0018:00
SundayClosed

Mar 1 TO Dec 20 Timings

Days (Mar 1 TO Dec 20)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–20:0018:00
Tuesday08:00–20:0018:00
Wednesday08:00–20:0018:00
Thursday08:00–20:0018:00
Friday08:00–20:0018:00
Saturday08:00–20:0018:00
SundayClosed

Dec 21 TO Dec 21 Timings

Days (Dec 21 TO Dec 21)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday12:00–20:0018:00
Tuesday12:00–20:0018:00
Wednesday12:00–20:0018:00
Thursday12:00–20:0018:00
Friday12:00–20:0018:00
Saturday12:00–20:0018:00
SundayClosed

Dec 22 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Dec 22 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–20:0018:00
Tuesday08:00–20:0018:00
Wednesday08:00–15:0013:00
ThursdayClosed
FridayClosed
Saturday08:00–20:0018:00
SundayClosed
#

St Peter's Basilica

#

7am - 7:10pm

Jan 1 TO Mar 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Mar 31)

TIMINGS

Monday07:00–19:10
Tuesday07:00–19:10
Wednesday (Today)07:00–19:10
Thursday07:00–19:10
Friday07:00–19:10
Saturday07:00–19:10
Sunday07:00–19:10

Apr 1 TO Sep 30 Timings

Days (Apr 1 TO Sep 30)

TIMINGS

Monday07:00–19:10
Tuesday07:00–19:10
Wednesday07:00–19:10
Thursday07:00–19:10
Friday07:00–19:10
Saturday07:00–19:10
Sunday07:00–19:10

Oct 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Oct 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Monday07:00–19:10
Tuesday07:00–19:10
Wednesday07:00–19:10
Thursday07:00–19:10
Friday07:00–19:10
Saturday07:00–19:10
Sunday07:00–19:10
#

Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo

Mar 26 TO Mar 31 Timings

Days (Mar 26 TO Mar 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00–14:3013:00
Wednesday (Today)09:00–14:3013:00
Thursday09:00–14:3013:00
Friday09:00–14:3013:00
Saturday09:00–17:3016:00
SundayClosed

Apr 1 TO Apr 7 Timings

Days (Apr 1 TO Apr 7)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

MondayClosed
Tuesday09:00–14:3013:00
Wednesday09:00–14:3013:00
Thursday09:00–14:3013:00
Friday09:00–14:3013:00
Saturday09:00–18:3017:00
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

Apr 8 TO Apr 24 Timings

Days (Apr 8 TO Apr 24)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–14:3013:00
Tuesday09:00–14:3013:00
Wednesday09:00–14:3013:00
Thursday09:00–14:3013:00
Friday09:00–14:3013:00
Saturday09:00–18:3017:00
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

Apr 25 TO May 5 Timings

Days (Apr 25 TO May 5)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–18:3017:00
Tuesday09:00–18:3017:00
WednesdayClosed
Thursday09:00–18:3017:00
Friday09:00–18:3017:00
Saturday09:00–18:3017:00
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

May 6 TO Jun 23 Timings

Days (May 6 TO Jun 23)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–14:3013:00
Tuesday09:00–14:3013:00
Wednesday09:00–14:3013:00
Thursday09:00–14:3013:00
Friday09:00–14:3013:00
Saturday09:00–18:3017:00
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

Jun 24 TO Jun 30 Timings

Days (Jun 24 TO Jun 30)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–14:3013:00
Tuesday09:00–14:3013:00
Wednesday09:00–14:3013:00
Thursday09:00–14:3013:00
Friday09:00–14:3013:00
SaturdayClosed
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

Jul 1 TO Aug 11 Timings

Days (Jul 1 TO Aug 11)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–14:3013:00
Tuesday09:00–14:3013:00
Wednesday09:00–14:3013:00
Thursday09:00–14:3013:00
Friday09:00–14:3013:00
Saturday09:00–18:3017:00
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

Aug 12 TO Aug 18 Timings

Days (Aug 12 TO Aug 18)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–18:3017:00
Tuesday09:00–18:3017:00
WednesdayClosed
ThursdayClosed
Friday09:00–18:3017:00
Saturday09:00–18:3017:00
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

Aug 19 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Aug 19 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–14:3013:00
Tuesday09:00–14:3013:00
Wednesday09:00–14:3013:00
Thursday09:00–14:3013:00
Friday09:00–14:3013:00
Saturday09:00–18:3017:00
Sunday10:00–18:3017:00

Gardens of Vatican City

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Monday09:00–18:00
Tuesday09:00–18:00
Wednesday (Today)09:00–18:00
Thursday09:00–18:00
Friday09:00–18:00
Saturday09:00–18:00
SundayClosed
#

Sistine Chapel

Jan 1 TO Feb 13 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Feb 13)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–19:0017:00
Tuesday08:00–19:0017:00
Wednesday (Today)08:00–19:0017:00
Thursday08:00–19:0017:00
Friday08:00–20:0018:00
Saturday08:00–20:0018:00
SundayClosed

Feb 14 TO Feb 14 Timings

Days (Feb 14 TO Feb 14)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–17:3011:30
Tuesday08:00–17:3011:30
Wednesday08:00–17:3011:30
Thursday08:00–17:3011:30
Friday08:00–17:3011:30
Saturday08:00–17:3011:30
SundayClosed

Feb 15 TO Mar 20 Timings

Days (Feb 15 TO Mar 20)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–19:0017:00
Tuesday08:00–19:0017:00
Wednesday08:00–19:0017:00
Thursday08:00–19:0017:00
Friday08:00–19:0017:00
Saturday08:00–19:0017:00
SundayClosed

Mar 21 TO Mar 21 Timings

Days (Mar 21 TO Mar 21)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–18:0017:30
Tuesday08:00–18:0017:30
Wednesday08:00–18:0017:30
Thursday08:00–18:0017:30
Friday08:00–18:0017:30
Saturday08:00–18:0017:30
SundayClosed

Mar 22 TO Mar 27 Timings

Days (Mar 22 TO Mar 27)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–19:0017:00
Tuesday08:00–19:0017:00
Wednesday08:00–19:0017:00
Thursday08:00–19:0017:00
Friday08:00–19:0017:00
Saturday08:00–19:0017:00
SundayClosed

Mar 28 TO Mar 28 Timings

Days (Mar 28 TO Mar 28)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–17:3017:00
Tuesday08:00–17:3017:00
Wednesday08:00–17:3017:00
Thursday08:00–17:3017:00
Friday08:00–17:3017:00
Saturday08:00–17:3017:00
SundayClosed

Mar 29 TO Apr 3 Timings

Days (Mar 29 TO Apr 3)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–19:0017:00
Tuesday08:00–19:0017:00
Wednesday08:00–19:0017:00
Thursday08:00–19:0017:00
Friday08:00–19:0017:00
Saturday08:00–19:0017:00
SundayClosed

Apr 4 TO Apr 4 Timings

Days (Apr 4 TO Apr 4)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–18:0017:30
Tuesday08:00–18:0017:30
Wednesday08:00–18:0017:30
Thursday08:00–18:0017:30
Friday08:00–18:0017:30
Saturday08:00–18:0017:30
SundayClosed

Apr 5 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Apr 5 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–19:0017:00
Tuesday08:00–19:0017:00
Wednesday08:00–19:0017:00
Thursday08:00–19:0017:00
Friday08:00–19:0017:00
Saturday08:00–19:0017:00
SundayClosed
#

The Sistine Chapel is closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of each month), as well as on January 1 and 6, March 19, April 1, May 1, June 29, August 15, November 1, and December 25 and 26. 

Apostolic Palace

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday08:00–19:0017:00
Tuesday08:00–19:0017:00
Wednesday (Today)08:00–19:0017:00
Thursday08:00–19:0017:00
Friday08:00–19:0017:00
Saturday08:00–19:0017:00
Sunday08:00–19:0017:00

Visiting Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel Skip-the-Line Tickets

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

Free cancellation
Book now, pay later
2 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.
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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 & St. Peter's Basilica Early Morning Tour

Free cancellation
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3 hr. - 4 hr. 30 min.
Meals included
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Best time to visit the Vatican Museums

Weekday vs Weekend

#

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

#

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

Is the Vatican still open after the Pope’s death?

Yes, the Vatican remains open to visitors; however, certain sites have adjusted schedules due to the recent passing of Pope Francis.

  • St. Peter’s Basilica: Open for public viewing of the Pope's body lying in state from Wednesday to Friday. The funeral is scheduled for Saturday at 10am local time. Post-funeral access may be restricted; updates will follow. ​
  • Vatican Museums: Operating on regular schedules for now. They will be closed on Saturday, the day of the funeral. Further closures are possible; please check for updates.​
  • Sistine Chapel: Expected to close during the conclave period, which begins between May 5 and 11. ​
  • Castel Gandolfo: Will be closed on Saturday, the day of the funeral.​
Guide to visiting the Vatican during a time of mourning

If certain Vatican sites are closed or crowded, consider these alternatives:​

  • Borghese Gallery: Home to a renowned collection of art, including works by Bernini and Caravaggio.​
  • Roman Catacombs and Crypts: Explore the ancient underground burial sites and early Christian history.​
  • Trastevere Neighborhood: Experience the charm of cobblestone streets, local eateries, and historic churches.​
  • Santa Maria Maggiore: Visit the basilica where Pope Francis will be buried, offering a place for reflection.
  • Stay informed about any changes in schedules or closures by visiting official Vatican websites and local news outlets.​
  • Arrive early as morning entry slots typically provide a calmer and less crowded experience.
  • Be flexible, as during major Vatican events, schedules can change with little notice.
  • Use alternative routes or entrances, such as the Viale Vaticano gate, to avoid congestion.
  • Ensure respectful attire when visiting religious sites—covering shoulders and knees is recommended.​
  • Security measures may lead to longer entry times; plan accordingly.

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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