Vatican Museums: precious treasure chest of European culture
Tickets for the Vatican Museums: tours, information, and tips for visiting one of the most famous attractions in the world
Vatican Museum: the tickets most chosen by travelers
The Vatican Museums, among the most visited in the world
The Vatican Museums are among the most important and visited museum complexes in the world. Located in the heart of Vatican City, they house an extraordinary collection that ranges from classical and Renaissance art to contemporary artworks. Furthermore, the Museums also deliver a unique testimony to the cultural tradition of the Catholic Church and its commitment to preserving and promoting an exceptional artistic heritage.
Along the seven kilometres of exhibition, visitors can marvel at masterpieces such as the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps, the Pinacoteca, the Pio-Clementino Museum, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, the Borgia Apartments, the Etruscan Museum, the Carriage Pavilion, the Ethnological Museum, the Contemporary Art Collection, the magnificent Spiral Staircase, and the priceless Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes depicting The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment.
In addition to sculptures, paintings, and decorative art, the Vatican Museums feature valuable ethnographic collections and archaeological finds. Highlights include the famous Laocoön Group, artefacts from ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, a collection of historical papal vehicles, and numerous works by artists such as Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Perugino. The more than 8,000 contemporary art pieces include works by Van Gogh, de Chirico, and Matisse. The Vatican Museums offer a one-of-a-kind journey through centuries of history, art, and spirituality.
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Useful Information for Visiting the Vatican Museums
Opening Hours The Vatican Museums are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm). Until December 31, 2024, they remain open on Fridays and Saturdays until 8:00 pm (last entry at 6:00 pm). Generally, they are closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month, when admission is free from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm).
Booking Booking tickets in advance helps avoid long lines at the entrance. Beyond basic tickets, options include semi-private tours, guided tours, and packages including the Vatican Gardens and/or St. Peter’s Basilica.
Last-minute tickets Tickets can be purchased directly at the entrance, but lines can be long, so it's always better to book in advance.
Access Point Public entry to the Vatican Museums is on Viale Vaticano, easily recognizable by the sign.
Vatican Museum: tips for your visit
FAQ about the Vatican Museums
1. Can you walk up and buy tickets to Vatican?
The entrance is in Italy, at 6 Viale Vaticano. You can buy tickets here, but booking in advance is highly recommended.
2. What are the Vatican Museums’ opening hours?
Monday to Saturday, usually from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm (last entry at 5:00 pm). On the last Sunday of the month, they are open free of charge from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm).
3. Are Vatican Museums free to enter?
The Vatican Museums are not free to enter, except for the last Sunday of each month, when admission is free from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. On all other days, tickets are required for entry, and prices vary depending on the type of tickets or tours.
4. How much is a Vatican Museums ticket?
Standard tickets cost €20 without online booking, while reduced tickets (for children up to age 18) cost €8. Children under 6 enter for free, and further discounts are available for families, schools, universities, seminaries, and pilgrimage groups.
5. Do you have to buy Vatican Museums tickets in advance?
Booking is recommended, especially in peak season, to avoid long lines. Online tickets include a small fee but allow you to skip the queue.
6. How do I skeep-the-line at the Vatican?
To avoid the line at the Vatican Museums, book fast-track tickets online via the official website or authorized resellers.
7. How long does a visit to the Vatican Museums take?
A typical visit lasts 2-3 hours, but if you want to explore the collections and the Sistine Chapel more thoroughly, plan for about 4 hours.
8. Is there a dress code?
Yes, clothing should be appropriate: shoulders and knees must be covered. Shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, and hats are not permitted.
9 Are the Vatican Museums accessible to the disabled?
Yes, accessible pathways and elevators are available. Disabled visitors and one companion receive free entry upon presenting valid documentation. Tickets cannot be booked online but are issued at the Special Permits or Reception desk in the entrance hall.
10 Can I take photos?
Yes, you can take photos without flash in most areas. Photography and video are prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
11 What’s included in the Vatican Museums ticket?
Online tickets grant access to the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.
How to Get to the Vatican Museums
Metro Take Line A (red line) and get off at Ottaviano or Cipro. Ottaviano: a 10-minute walk along Viale Giulio Cesare and Via Leone IV. Cipro: a 10-minute walk via Via Cipro and Via Angelo Emo.
Bus Bus line 49 stops directly in front of the Vatican Museums, while lines 32, 81, and 982 stop at Piazza Risorgimento, a 5-minute walk from the museums.
On foot From St. Peter's Square: 10–15 minutes by foot, following Via di Porta Angelica to Viale Vaticano. From Castel Sant'Angelo: 15–20 minutes by foot, following Via della Conciliazione towards St. Peter's Square, then continuing to Viale Vaticano.
Bicycle and electric scooter Rome offers several bike and electric scooter rental services available through apps or dedicated stations. You can reach the Vatican Museums using bike lanes connecting the city centre to Vatican City. Be sure to park in designated areas, as the museums do not have a private parking lot.
Car The Vatican Museums area is not located within the restricted traffic zone (ZTL), so it is possible to reach by car. However, it is better to use alternative means of transport, such as the metro or tram, to avoid traffic congestion and limit pollution. Private garages and paid parking are available on Viale Vaticano and the surrounding streets.
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Vedi ❯The Best Tours for Visiting the Vatican Museums
Every year, millions of visitors from all over the world come to the Vatican Museums to admire treasures like the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, and the Laocoön statue. The Musei are vast, with countless attractions to see, so booking tickets in advance and choosing the best tour for your needs is highly recommended in order to avoid long lines and optimize your time. You can opt for just the Vatican Museums or purchase tickets that also include visits to the Vatican Gardens and St. Peter's Basilica. Here's an overview of different tour options and ticket types available:
Fast-track entry ticket to the Vatican Museums Skip hours of waiting at the entrance. Download the voucher and get your tickets at the Tourist Office 15 minutes before your selected entry time.
Guided Tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel Ideal for those looking to discover all the secrets of the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel with an expert guide.
Vatican Museums and St. Peter's Tour Perfect for visitors wanting to combine the Vatican Museums with St. Peter's Basilica. You'll see two of Vatican City's most iconic sites in one tour.
Semi-private Tour of the Vatican Museums Ideal for those seeking a more intimate experience with small groups and more time for questions and interactions with the guide.
Vatican Museums and Gardens Ticket Ideal for those who want to explore the museums and the beautiful Vatican Gardens, an exclusive natural and artistic oasis within Vatican City.
Points of Interest Related to the Vatican Museums
The cultural experience offered by the Vatican Museums is enriched with historical, archaeological, and natural sites linked to the history of the papacy and Vatican City. Here are some additional exclusive sites worth visiting:
Vatican Gardens These beautiful Renaissance gardens are a peaceful oasis within Vatican City. Access is only by guided tour, and tickets can be combined with the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
Via Triumphalis Necropolis A significant archaeological site from the 1st-2nd century AD. Access is by reservation only, and it is separate from the Vatican Necropolis under St. Peter’s Basilica.
Papal Palace and Secret Garden of Castel Gandolfo The historic summer residence of the popes, now open to the public along with the magnificent Barberini Garden.
The Sistine Chapel, the Jewel of the Vatican Museums
The extraordinary frescoes of the Sistine Chapel are among the world's most valuable and famous artworks and one of the main reasons why so many people visit the Vatican Museums every year. The chapel's name refers to Pope Sixtus IV, who ordered its restoration in the second half of the 15th century. Renowned artists such as Sandro Botticelli, Pietro Perugino, and Pinturicchio contributed to its decoration.
The most iconic opera is the ceiling painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512, depicting scenes from Genesis, including the celebrated Creation of Adam. Equally majestic is the Last Judgment, also by Michelangelo, located on the altar wall. Since 1870, the Sistine Chapel has been the site where cardinals gather in conclave to elect the new pope.
Fun facts about the Vatican Museums
Size The Vatican Museums house one of the world’s largest art collections, spanning over 7 kilometres.
Foundation The Vatican Museums were founded by Pope Julius II in 1506 and opened to the public by Pope Clement XIV in 1771.
Massive Collection They hold over 70,000 artworks, with only 20,000 on public display.
Visitor numbers With over 6 million visitors annually, the Vatican Museums are among the world’s most visited museums.
Digital Initiatives The Vatican Museums also offer virtual tours, making their art accessible online worldwide.
Night openings On exceptional occasions, the Vatican Museums have evening openings for a memorable visit.