What is the Vatican Museums?

The Vatican Museums are a collection of art and Christian museums within Vatican City. Established in the early 16th century, they house one of the most significant art collections in the world, featuring masterpieces from the Renaissance, ancient Roman sculptures, and more.

Why is the Vatican Museum so important?

The Vatican Museums is home to one of the most largest art collections in the world, from across centuries and the world, from Egypt to Greece to Rome, from early Christian and medieval art to the Renaissance to contemporary art.

Do I need tickets to enter the Vatican Museums?

Yes, you need to purchase tickets to enjoy access to the Vatican Museums. You can buy Vatian Museum tickets here.

Where is the Vatican Museums located in Rome?

The Vatican Museums are located within Vatican City, on the west bank of the Tiber River.

Who founded the Vatican Museums?

Pope Julius II founded the museums in the early 16th century. Subsequent Popes added to the collection.

How long does it take to visit the Vatican Museum?

Set aside a minimum of 3 hours to tour the Vatican Museums.

What can I see inside the Vatican Museums?

There is a lot to see at the Vatican Museum, including (and not limited to) Raphael's masterpiece Transfiguration, the Pinecone Courtyard, the Laocoön sculpture, The Rotunda Room, The Tapestries Hall, The Maps Room, and The Sistine Chapel. For more details on what to see, check out our guide to what's inside the Vatican Museums.

Are guided tours available for the Vatican Museums?

Yes, guided tours are available and are an excellent way to gain deeper insights into the art and history of the Vatican Museums. Learn more about guided tours.

Can you visit only the Sistine Chapel?

While the Sistine Chapel is a highlight of the Vatican Museums, it is located towards the end of the museum route. Your ticket to the Vatican Museums includes access to the Sistine Chapel, but you’ll need to pass through the other exhibits to reach it. You can choose to spend all your time there or explore the rest of the museums before visiting the chapel.

Are the Vatican Museums worth visiting?

Yes, the Vatican Museums offer you a little sneak peak into the history and culture of Rome, as well as the world of Christianity and art. Whether you're an art lover, history enthusiast, or traveler, the Museums provide a rich and rewarding experience.

Are the Vatican Museums wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the Vatican Museums are accessible on wheelchair. They are equipped with ramps, elevators and wheelchair lifts.

Vatican Museums & Galleries | Public museums of Vatican City

Vatican Museums

Quick Information

ADDRESS

00120, Vatican City

RECOMMENDED DURATION

3 hours

Timings

08:00–20:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

5000000

TICKETS

From € 31.92

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

2+ hours (Peak), 1-2 hours (Off Peak)

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), undefined (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1984

Plan your visit

Did you know?

Of the over 70,000 artworks in the Vatican Museums' vast collection, only about 20,000 are exhibited to the public. The remaining pieces are hidden away, safeguarded for preservation, space constraints, and ongoing expert research, making them an unseen treasure trove of art history.

To protect Michelangelo's iconic frescoes from the 25,000 daily visitors, the Sistine Chapel boasts a state-of-the-art climate control system, installed in 2014. This modern marvel replaced the 1990s system, ensuring optimal preservation against humidity and dust with minimal noise and air disturbance.

The Vatican Museums' Gallery of Maps, a 120-meter-long frescoed masterpiece completed in 1583, showcases 40 detailed maps of Italy by Ignazio Danti. These maps, exceptional for their time, predate modern cartography by centuries and display remarkable geographical accuracy.

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