Explore the Vatican Museums which is the home to an amazing collection of over 20,000 extraordinary works of art.
Skip the line access inside the Vatican Museums and explore Raphael's Rooms, Pinacoteca, Sistine Chapel.
Stroll through different galleries and sections inside the museum, including the Borgia Apartment, Jewish Lapidarium, and many more.
Visit the ongoing temporary exhibits like Lent in the Vatican Museums, Women’s Day at the Vatican Museums, and a few others.
Activity Location: Vatican City
Activity Duration: 2-3 Hours
Activity Timings: Will depend on the variant selection
About Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel:
Step into world housing incredible works of art that await you at the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel, where masterpieces from the world's greatest artists are on display. Begin with a visit to the Pio-Clementine Museum, where you'll marvel at stunning Greek and Roman sculptures, such as the Laocoön and the Belvedere Apollo. Venture through the Gallery of Maps, featuring a vast collection of meticulously detailed maps and stunning frescoes. Continue through the Vatican Museum, you'll be treated to an incredible display of Renaissance masterpieces, including works by Raphael and Leonardo da Vinci. Explore the Sistine Chapel, where you'll see Michelangelo's masterpiece ceiling fresco, which depicts the Creation of Adam, as well as the Last Judgment fresco on the chapel's altar wall. Roam around the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel at your own pace with an audio guide providing you insights into the historical & cultural significance of each masterpiece. Book tickets to Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel and admire the awe-inspiring beauty & know about the rich history of two of the world's most iconic landmarks.
About the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Tickets:
How to reach?
The Vatican Museums are a remarkable ensemble of art and Christian museums located within the confines of Vatican City, which is the spiritual and administrative headquarters of the Roman Catholic Church. These museums boast an extensive collection of artistic treasures that spans various periods and styles, attracting millions of visitors throughout the year. With over 70,000 paintings, sculptures, and other artifacts, the Vatican Museums offer a breathtaking journey through art history. These collections are displayed across approximately 54 galleries, showcasing the immense wealth of artistic genius from different eras. Besides this, the museum also features a collection of Modern Religious Art, which includes pieces by notable artists such as Carlo Carrà, Vincent van Gogh, Paul Gauguin, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso.
The best time to visit the Vatican Museums is between the months of October and March (excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's). As far as the time of the day is concerned, it is advisable to visit the attraction either early in the mornings or late in the evenings on weekdays. During these times, the number of visitors tends to be lower, and you are left with more space and better opportunities to appreciate the art and exhibits without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds.
The maximum group size for the guided tours of the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel tickets is about 12 people. These tours offer a more intimate and personalized experience so you can explore the magnificent art and history with ease. You can also indulge yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty of Michelangelo’s frescoes and the vast collection of art through this guided tour.
Yes, it is possible to go to Vatican City at night, but it is only limited to the Sistine Chapel. Moreover, the visits are allowed at specific times on Friday evenings, especially during the summer season between the months of April and October.
The opening hours of Vatican Museums are between 9 am to 6 pm from Monday to Saturday, with the last entry being allowed at 4 pm. On the Sunday of every month, the museums operate between 9 am and 2 pm, with the last entry at 12.30 pm. You must note that the extraordinary openings on the last Sunday of the month do not occur when it coincides with Easter, 29 June, 25 December, 26 December, or 31 December. These exceptions are in place to accommodate special occasions and holidays.
The museums extend their opening hours on Fridays between 5 May and 28 October until 10.30 pm, with the final entry at 8.30 pm. On Saturdays during the same period, the museums remain open until 8 pm, with the final entry at 6 pm. These extended hours provide an opportunity to explore the Vatican Museums in a different atmosphere with the option to witness the art in the evening.
Yes, the Vatican museum is wheelchair accessible for visitors with mobility issues. You can hire a wheelchair free of cost from the cloakroom of the museum, but it is subject to availability. To borrow a wheelchair, all you need to do is present a valid ID and provide a deposit. The museums are also accessible to those who use mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs.
Yes, all of our guides at the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are professional speakers of English. We prioritize providing you with an exceptional experience and ensuring clear communication throughout the guided tour included in the Vatican Museum & Sistine Chapel tickets. Our guides are professional, knowledgeable, and trained to effectively communicate the rich history, art, and cultural significance of the Vatican Museums and the iconic Sistine Chapel.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, it is recommended to book your tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in advance, ideally up to 30 days before your planned visit. When you purchase your tickets ahead of time, you can bypass the long queues that often form at the ticket counters. It allows you to maximize your time exploring the incredible art and historical artifacts within the Museums. Booking in advance also helps secure your preferred date and time slot, especially during peak tourist seasons when availability may be limited. You can also avail yourself of the deals and discounts that come along with the advance online booking facility.
When visiting the Vatican Museums, it is important to adhere to a strict dress code, which is easy to follow and crucial for respecting cultural norms. Inside the museums, you should wear long-sleeved shirts and long trousers. While sandals are allowed, you must wear comfortable shoes as the average duration of the visit is around three hours. For men, shirts and T-shirts are acceptable as long as they do not contain offensive images or slogans, and trousers should be at least knee-length. Wearing a hat inside the museum is considered impolite and should be avoided. Women are not permitted to have bare sleeves. In the summer, a practical solution is to bring a cardigan or shoulder cover to wear inside the museums. Pants or skirts should cover the knee, and it is strictly prohibited to wear tops that leave the belly exposed.
Yes, you can take pictures at the Vatican Museums for personal use. Most cameras, including smartphones and compact cameras, are allowed inside the museum. However, you must consider that the use of flash is strictly prohibited to protect the artworks and preserve their longevity. Additionally, it is essential to respect the privacy and experience of other visitors by being mindful of your surroundings while taking photos. Professional cameras and equipment, such as drones, tripods, and stands, are also not allowed inside the museums.
Here are the different combo tickets available for Vatican Museum: