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
Vatican Museums opening hours and prices
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).
Ticket Prices The Vatican Museums offer several ticket options:
Standard tickets: €20 (reduced €8).
Reduced tickets: available for children and young people aged 7 to 18, university students under 26 with a valid ID, and other specific categories such as schools and pilgrimages.
Free entry: for children under 7 years, people with disabilities and one accompanying person (with documentation).
Last-minute tickets are available on-site but are not recommended due to long queues.
Additional discounts are available for families, groups, and students: check the official website or authorised vendors for applicable conditions.
Booking Vatican Museums Booking for the Vatican Museums is highly recommended for all visitors, especially for those who wish to avoid long waits. By booking your Vatican Museums ticket online, you can choose your preferred entry time and take advantage of the priority access. In addition to standard tickets, several options are available, such as semi-private tours, guided tours, and packages that include visits to the Vatican Gardens and/or St. Peter's Basilica.
Guided Tours You can visit the Vatican Museums with an expert guide. A guided tour offers benefits such as priority access and in-depth information about the artworks and history of the Museums. Guided tours are available in multiple languages
Last-minute tickets You can purchase your last-minute tickets at the entrance to the Vatican Museums. Remember that lines can be long, so booking your Vatican Museums online tickets in advance is always better.
Vatican Museums Online Tickets By booking your tickets for the Vatican Museums online, you can choose your preferred date and time of entry. Priority entrance and combined packages with other attractions are available. Tickets can be purchased on the official Vatican Museums website and authorized portals.
Vatican Museums Free Admission The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of each month, with opening hours from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm). You can access the museums free of charge, but it is recommended that you arrive early to avoid long queues. Remember that admission is always free for children under 7 years old and for disabled visitors with a certified disability of over 74%.
Access Point Public entry to the Vatican Museums is on Viale Vaticano, easily recognizable by the sign.
Accessibility The Vatican Museums are accessible to people with disabilities thanks to barrier-free pathways and dedicated elevators. Entrance is free for both the disabled visitor and one companion upon presentation of the required documentation. Free tickets are unavailable online and must be collected at the Special Permits desk or at the Reception in the museum hall. Disabled visitors and their companions benefit from skip-the-line entry. The Museums are also accessible to those using mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs. However, in certain areas, access or usage may be restricted. In such cases, visitors can rent traditional wheelchairs, which are available for free at the entrance hall.
Visitor Rules Proper attire is required, with shoulders and knees covered. Shorts, miniskirts, sleeveless tops, and hats are not allowed. Photography without flash is permitted in most areas, but photos and videos are prohibited in the Sistine Chapel. Large bags, backpacks, umbrellas and other bulky items must be left in the cloakroom. To ensure a pleasant experience, it is essential to maintain respectful and quiet behaviour during the visit. Mobile phone use is strongly discouraged and is prohibited inside the Sistine Chapel. Avoid bringing banned items (such as selfie sticks) to prevent slowing down security checks.
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.
12. How far in advance should you book tickets for the Vatican Museums? Book your tickets for the Vatican Museums at least one or two weeks in advance, especially during peak season or holiday periods, to ensure entry on your preferred date and time.
13. What is the best time to visit the Vatican Museums? The best time to visit the Vatican Museums is early morning, as soon as they open, or late in the afternoon when crowds tend to decrease. Weekdays, especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays, are generally less crowded than weekends.
14. How long does it take to climb the Dome? Climbing St. Peter's Dome takes about 1 hour, including waiting time, depending on the crowds. The lift takes you to the first level, but you must climb a steep staircase of over 300 steps to reach the summit.
15. How long is the wait to enter St. Peter's Basilica? The wait to enter St. Peter's Basilica can vary greatly depending on the time and season, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours during peak times. Visiting early in the morning or opting for a tour with priority access is recommended to avoid long queues.
How to Get to the Vatican Museums
If you're planning to visit the Vatican Museums, the best way to get there is by public transportation, either by subway or bus. Don't forget to book your Vatican Museums tickets online to avoid long lines, which can be especially annoying during peak seasons.
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 ❯Vatican Museums tickets: the best tours
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 tickets 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 Tickets Ideal for those who want to explore the museums and the beautiful Vatican Gardens, an exclusive natural and artistic oasis within Vatican City.
Audio Guides A flexible solution to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace. They are available in multiple languages: Italian, English, French, Spanish, German, and many more. To obtain one, you can request it at the official desk of the Museums or download it via authorised websites.
Rome Museums Tickets In addition to the Vatican Museums, you can purchase tickets for the museums of Rome, available in combined packages with attractions like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Borghese Galleries.
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.