Vatican Museums
Discover over 70,000 works of art at the famous Vatican Museums by virtuosos such as Raphael, da Vinci, Michelangelo and Bernini. Peruse our collection of Vatican tickets to enjoy skip-the-line entry, guided tours, or combo offers.
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Direct or hosted entry, the choice is yours. Either way, if you're looking to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace, this option is for you!
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Step into the Pine Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Candelabra Gallery, and many more! If selected, a host lets you skip the redemption process.
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Place yourself in the heart of the papacy, look around the official residence of the Pope, and marvel at the murals of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
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Fun fact: The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is said to have 343 figures painted by Michelangelo, can you count them all?
More details
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Direct or hosted entry, the choice is yours. Either way, if you're looking to explore the Vatican Museums at your own pace, this option is for you!
-
Step into the Pine Courtyard, Pius Clementino Museum, Candelabra Gallery, and many more! If selected, a host lets you skip the redemption process.
-
Place yourself in the heart of the papacy, look around the official residence of the Pope, and marvel at the murals of the world-famous Sistine Chapel.
-
Fun fact: The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel is said to have 343 figures painted by Michelangelo, can you count them all?
20% off
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A guided tour that hits all the spots! Grab the chance to skip the line at all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with a guide.
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Dive into incredible stories about masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio, narrated by your guide as you explore the Vatican Museums.
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Stand in awe at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s Last Judgment—one of the largest frescoes in the world—takes center stage.
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Prefer a guided tour or want to explore at your own pace? The choice is yours at St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Here’s a little insider perk: You’ll slip into St. Peter’s Basilica through a secret back door from the Sistine Chapel, cutting out a 20-minute walk and a 2-hour queue wait.
More details
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A guided tour that hits all the spots! Grab the chance to skip the line at all 3 sites – Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica with a guide.
-
Dive into incredible stories about masterpieces by Leonardo Da Vinci and Caravaggio, narrated by your guide as you explore the Vatican Museums.
-
Stand in awe at the Sistine Chapel, where Michelangelo’s Last Judgment—one of the largest frescoes in the world—takes center stage.
-
Prefer a guided tour or want to explore at your own pace? The choice is yours at St. Peter’s Basilica.
-
Here’s a little insider perk: You’ll slip into St. Peter’s Basilica through a secret back door from the Sistine Chapel, cutting out a 20-minute walk and a 2-hour queue wait.
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Ditch the crowds and the 2-hour waiting lines, and explore the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel with a guide and skip-the-line entry.
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Explore a vast collection of extraordinary masterpieces and breathtaking art, spanning across centuries, from artifacts to Renaissance marvels.
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Spot Italy's most renowned artist, Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgement.
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Fun fact: The Vatican Museums contain 70,000+ artworks. If you were to spend 1 min viewing each artwork, it would take you 48 days to see the entire collection!
More details
-
Ditch the crowds and the 2-hour waiting lines, and explore the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel with a guide and skip-the-line entry.
-
Explore a vast collection of extraordinary masterpieces and breathtaking art, spanning across centuries, from artifacts to Renaissance marvels.
-
Spot Italy's most renowned artist, Michelangelo's awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel frescoes, including the iconic ceiling and Last Judgement.
-
Fun fact: The Vatican Museums contain 70,000+ artworks. If you were to spend 1 min viewing each artwork, it would take you 48 days to see the entire collection!
-
Bypass the crowds and head straight to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in this in-depth guided tour.
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Discover the Vatican's art and history with your expert guide as you explore the Pio Clementino Museum and Gallery of Maps.
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Uncover the Vatican's rich tapestry, from ancient Rome to papal splendor in the language of your choice.
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Ponder the genius of Michelangelo as the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel daze you with their sheer size and artful intricacies.
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Fun fact: If you read a book daily, it would take you over 4000 years to review all the books kept in the Vatican's library.
More details
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Bypass the crowds and head straight to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel in this in-depth guided tour.
-
Discover the Vatican's art and history with your expert guide as you explore the Pio Clementino Museum and Gallery of Maps.
-
Uncover the Vatican's rich tapestry, from ancient Rome to papal splendor in the language of your choice.
-
Ponder the genius of Michelangelo as the frescoes of the Sistine Chapel daze you with their sheer size and artful intricacies.
-
Fun fact: If you read a book daily, it would take you over 4000 years to review all the books kept in the Vatican's library.
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Worried about the crowds? Don't be. Get a head start and be among the first to enter the Vatican Museums with this tour.
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Hunt down some of the Museum's most iconic artworks, including the Torso Belvedere and Lacoon and Sons.
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Experience the artistry of The Last Supper within the hallowed halls of the Sistine Chapel with your expert guide.
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Discover the grandeur of the St Peter's Basilica, or take in the panoramic views at the St Peter's Dome. Choose your ideal experience during checkout.
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Did you know that the dome of St Peter's Basilica is so large that it could hold the entire dome of the Pantheon inside it!
More details
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Worried about the crowds? Don't be. Get a head start and be among the first to enter the Vatican Museums with this tour.
-
Hunt down some of the Museum's most iconic artworks, including the Torso Belvedere and Lacoon and Sons.
-
Experience the artistry of The Last Supper within the hallowed halls of the Sistine Chapel with your expert guide.
-
Discover the grandeur of the St Peter's Basilica, or take in the panoramic views at the St Peter's Dome. Choose your ideal experience during checkout.
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Did you know that the dome of St Peter's Basilica is so large that it could hold the entire dome of the Pantheon inside it!
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Tailor your Vatican tour to your interests, exploring iconic spaces like the Niccolò V Chapel or the Belvedere Courtyard with an expert guide.
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Skip the ticketing queue and breeze into the Museum and the Sistine Chapel with more time to soak in the art.
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Immerse yourself in Renaissance history as your guide narrates the story of Raphael's Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.
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Escape the crowds and appreciate your areas of interest in the Vatican like the Gregorian Etruscan Museum or the Pinecone Courtyard.
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Fun fact: The Sistine Chapel's ceiling was originally painted upside down until its restoration in the 1900s.
More details
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Tailor your Vatican tour to your interests, exploring iconic spaces like the Niccolò V Chapel or the Belvedere Courtyard with an expert guide.
-
Skip the ticketing queue and breeze into the Museum and the Sistine Chapel with more time to soak in the art.
-
Immerse yourself in Renaissance history as your guide narrates the story of Raphael's Rooms and the Sistine Chapel.
-
Escape the crowds and appreciate your areas of interest in the Vatican like the Gregorian Etruscan Museum or the Pinecone Courtyard.
-
Fun fact: The Sistine Chapel's ceiling was originally painted upside down until its restoration in the 1900s.
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An expert guide takes you on a journey through the world's largest church and beacon of the Vatican.
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Get breathtaking views of the hills all around from your unique vantage point at the crest of the St. Peter’s Basilica's Dome, the highest point in Rome.
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Discover the Papal Tombs and artistic wonders housed in the Basilica, like Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture.
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Fuel up for the adventure ahead! Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast with an upgraded English or French guided tour.
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Fun fact: Bernini designed the square so St. Peter's Basilica stays the focal point. Look closely, every line leads to the basilica!
More details
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An expert guide takes you on a journey through the world's largest church and beacon of the Vatican.
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Get breathtaking views of the hills all around from your unique vantage point at the crest of the St. Peter’s Basilica's Dome, the highest point in Rome.
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Discover the Papal Tombs and artistic wonders housed in the Basilica, like Michelangelo's Pieta sculpture.
-
Fuel up for the adventure ahead! Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast with an upgraded English or French guided tour.
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Fun fact: Bernini designed the square so St. Peter's Basilica stays the focal point. Look closely, every line leads to the basilica!
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Double the sights and lower prices! Combine your Vatican and Colosseum tours for a budget-friendly exploration of the Eternal City.
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Discover the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, all with a single, wallet-friendly ticket.
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You call the shots. Choose the date and time for each tour separately, customizing your experience to match your plans.
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A local guide will accompany you, enriching your visit with captivating stories and insights – the best way to maximize your Roman experience.
More details
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Double the sights and lower prices! Combine your Vatican and Colosseum tours for a budget-friendly exploration of the Eternal City.
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Discover the Colosseum, Palatine Hill, Roman Forum, and the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel, all with a single, wallet-friendly ticket.
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You call the shots. Choose the date and time for each tour separately, customizing your experience to match your plans.
-
A local guide will accompany you, enriching your visit with captivating stories and insights – the best way to maximize your Roman experience.
10% off
Pro tips to help you make a pick
Tickets at the Vatican Museums cost €25 at the door, while online tickets start at €34. The extra fee online is worthwhile, as it saves you from waiting 1-3 hours in the on-site ticket line. Note that even with online tickets, you’ll still go through redemption and security lines.
Vatican tickets are in high demand and often sell out quickly. To secure your visit, it’s best to book tickets 3-4 weeks ahead for peak seasons, or at least a week early during the off-season.
For a truly seamless entry, consider a hosted entry. This option lets you skip the redemption queue as your host meets you with validated tickets, so you’re ready to enter at your scheduled time.
A guided tour at the Vatican can greatly enrich your experience, offering priority access and fascinating insights into the art and history within. For those who prefer flexibility, audio guides are an excellent alternative for exploring at your own pace.
While standard tours are more budget-friendly, small-group tours (up to 15 guests) allow for a more personal and interactive experience with the guide, perfect for those who want a closer look at the Vatican’s highlights.
For a quieter, cooler experience, opt for an early morning or after-hours Vatican tour. These times offer a peaceful setting to take in the art and architecture, though slots are limited, especially in summer—book at least two weeks in advance.
Many Vatican tickets don’t cover certain areas, such as the Necropolis, St. Peter’s Tomb, or Scavi. Be sure to review what’s included and excluded to avoid surprises.
The Vatican Gardens offer a serene space to unwind amid fountains, sculptures, and lush greenery—especially ideal for families and couples. Wheelchair-accessible, the Gardens are a lovely retreat after exploring the Vatican.
Top things to do in Rome
About Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums in Rome showcase masterpieces like Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Raphael Rooms, and the ancient Laocoön sculpture, offering a journey through art history within the heart of the Vatican. The Gregorian Egyptian Museum with ancient artifacts, and the Gallery of Maps, are other highlights.
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.
Giuseppe Momo's Spiral Staircase in the Vatican Museums, designed in 1932, is an architectural marvel. Its unique structure allows for separate ascending and descending paths without intersection, predating the discovery of DNA's double helix by over two decades.
The Sala Rotonda of the Vatican Museums echoes the Pantheon with its grand circular design and soaring coffered ceiling. At its heart stands a colossal bronze Hercules, and beneath lies Nero's massive porphyry basin, while above, an oculus opens to the sky, symbolizing both architectural brilliance and historical depth.
Why visit Vatican Museums?
Highlights
Sistine Chapel
The crown jewel of the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel is famed for Michelangelo's breathtaking ceiling frescoes, including the iconic 'Creation of Adam.' Its walls also display works by other Renaissance masters. The chapel is not only an artistic wonder but also a significant religious site, serving as the location for the Papal conclave. Visitors are often awestruck by the intricate details and the vivid storytelling depicted in the art.
Raphael Rooms
The four Raphael Rooms, known as the Stanze di Raffaello, showcase the genius of Raphael, one of the greatest artists of the Renaissance. Each room is adorned with stunning frescoes that tell various stories and themes, such as 'The School of Athens' in the Stanza della Segnatura, which depicts an assembly of great philosophers. These rooms offer a glimpse into the artistic and cultural richness of the Renaissance era.
Gallery of Maps
The Gallery of Maps is a breathtaking corridor lined with topographical maps of Italy, painted in the 16th century by Ignazio Danti. Stretching over 120 meters, it's one of the world's largest pictorial geographical studies. The maps, alongside the intricate ceiling frescoes, offer a unique blend of art and science, making this gallery a fascinating stop for both art enthusiasts and history buffs.
Pio-Clementino Museum
Named after Pope Clement XIV and Pius VI, this museum houses a vast collection of ancient sculptures and artworks. Visitors can admire iconic pieces like the Apollo Belvedere, Laocoön and His Sons, and the Belvedere Torso. The museum's neoclassical halls provide an ideal backdrop for these timeless masterpieces, making it a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.
The Belvedere Courtyard
Designed by Donato Bramante, the Belvedere Courtyard originally served as a space to display classical sculptures and was key in the development of the High Renaissance architectural style. Today, it connects various parts of the museum and offers a serene outdoor space. The courtyard, adorned with elegant sculptures and fountains, is a perfect spot to appreciate the blend of art, architecture, and nature.
Gregorian Egyptian Museum
Established by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839, the Gregorian Egyptian Museum is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian artifacts within the Vatican Museums. This unique collection showcases the fascinating cultural and religious practices of ancient Egypt, featuring items such as mummies, sarcophagi, statues of gods and goddesses,pieces related to the Book of the Dead papyrus.
Courtyard of the Pinecone
Named after the colossal bronze pinecone statue dating back to ancient Rome, the courtyard is a striking open-air space. This pinecone, once a Roman fountain, symbolizes eternal life and is set against the backdrop of a niche from the Temple of Isis. The courtyard also features two bronze peacocks, replicas of those from Hadrian's Mausoleum, adding to its historical allure. Surrounding the central sculptures are beautifully manicured gardens and impressive Renaissance architecture.
Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens, covering about 23 hectares (57 acres), which is approximately half of the entire country's area, feature a blend of Renaissance and Baroque elements, adorned with fountains, sculptures, and a variety of buildings including Vatican Radio and the Governor's Palace. The gardens' history traces back to medieval times, initially featuring orchards and vineyards. They were formally established when Pope Nicholas III moved his residence back to the Vatican in 1279, enclosing the area with walls and planting an orchard, lawn, and garden. It was opened to the public by Pope Francis in 2014.
Plan your visit
Viale Vaticano
The Vatican Museums can be accessed using the entrance from Viale Vaticano. This is located on the north side of Vatican City and is the fastest way to reach the museums. You can purchase tickets to the museums at this entrance.
Via Della Conciliazione
St. Peter’s Basilica is located on the Southeast side of Vatican City and can be accessed from Via Della Conciliazione. This entrance will get you right into St. Peter’s Square.
- Visitors are required to leave the halls 30 minutes before closing.
- The Museums offer free entry on the last Sunday of each month, from 9am to 2pm (final entry at 12:30pm), provided this does not coincide with holidays like Easter Sunday, June 29 (Sts. Peter and Paul), and Christmas Day.
- In December, the Sunday opening with free admission will be exceptionally brought forward to the 24th to allow visitors to enjoy the Museums during the festive season.
Located along the museum itinerary, and are clearly signposted for visitor convenience. You will also find restrooms that are accessible to the disabled, and those equipped with baby changing facilities and a nursing room.
The Vatican Museums offer a complimentary cloakroom service, accessible from the entrance hall after the metal detectorVisitors are required to leave all luggage, suitcases, rucksacks, packages, and containers not suitable due to their size or nature in the cloakroom before entering the exhibition spaces.
The Vatican Museums offer a variety of audio and video guides to enhance the visitor experience by providing insightful commentary on the exhibits. They also offer video guides in American Sign Language for deaf and hard of hearing visitors.
The Vatican Museums offer various dining options, including a cafeteria, a self-service area, and a pizzeria. These venues provide a range of choices from quick snacks to full meals, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.
They have 18 defibrillators installed along the museum itinerary, with Guard Staff trained to provide emergency cardio-protective treatment. For severe cases, an ambulance transfer service to the nearest hospital is available. Volunteers from the National Confederation of the Misericordie & a medical-nursing unit is available daily during museum hours.
Facilities for changing babies and a nursing room for privacy are available along the museum itinerary.
The Vatican Museums feature a network of bookshops along the seven-kilometer museum itinerary, offering a wide selection of products from scientific publications, art catalogues, to reproductions of artworks, prints, stationery, multimedia products, as well as children’s books and toys.
Free wheelchair hire is offered (subject to availability), requiring a valid ID and deposit.
Wheelchair accessible ramps and elevators are available, making most museum spaces accessible. The Museums are also accessible to mobility scooters and electric wheelchairs, with traditional wheelchairs available for areas with space limitations.
The Guard Corps will show families with strollers the best itinerary to follow and the special lifts they can use for easy access to the various galleries.
Guide dogs for the blind are allowed, provided they are on a lead and muzzled. Advance notification is required for visitors bringing guide dogs.
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