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Contents
Discover the unique treasures of the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums established by Pope Julius II in the 16th century, houses masterpieces spanning several millennia, including classical sculptures, Renaissance art, and Egyptian artefacts. The Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's intricate fresco...
Founded On
1506
Founded By
Pope Julius II
Vatican TicketsVatican Museums
Quick information
ADDRESS
00120, Vatican City
RECOMMENDED DURATION
3 hours
Timings
8am–7pm
VISITORS PER YEAR
5000000
TICKETS
From € 30.60
NUMBER OF ENTRANCES
2
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
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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What are the Vatican Museums?
The Vatican Museums are a renowned collection of art and Christian museums located within the walls of Vatican City. With over 70,000 artworks, including paintings and sculptures, the Museums span more than 54 galleries, showcasing an extraordinary range of artistic treasures.
Beyond their vast art collection, the Vatican Museums also house significant archaeological and ethno-anthropological works, such as Egyptian mummies and Etruscan bronzes. Visitors can explore some of the most artistically significant rooms, including those adorned with frescoes by Raphael and the world-famous Sistine Chapel, painted by Michelangelo. The Museums also feature classical sculptures, tapestries, and masterpieces by Renaissance icons like Raphael, Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Bernini, and Leonardo da Vinci. Additionally, they boast a Modern Religious Art collection with works by artists such as Carlo Carrà, Van Gogh, Gauguin, Salvador Dalí, and Pablo Picasso.
Brief history of Vatican Museums
- 16th Century: Pope Julius II purchased the sculpture Laocoön and His Sons, which became the first acquisition of the Vatican Museums.
- 1837: Pope Gregory XVI founded the Gregorian Etruscan Museum, followed by the Egyptian Museum in 1839.
- 1910: Saint Pius X established the Hebrew Lapidary.
- 1970: The Gregorian Profane Museum, Pio Christian Museum, and the Hebrew Lapidary were relocated from the Lateran Palace to their current home within the Vatican.
What's inside the Vatican Museums?
Spiral Staircase
The iconic spiral staircase, designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932, draws inspiration from Bramante’s double-helix design. Known as Scala Elicoidale, it features two separate flights, allowing for seamless passage in both directions.
The Raphael Rooms
The Raphael Rooms, a series of frescoed chambers in the Vatican Palace, epitomize High Renaissance art in Rome. These include the Sala di Costantino (Hall of Constantine), Stanza di Eliodoro (Room of Heliodorus), Stanza della Segnatura (Room of the Signatura), and Stanza dell'Incendio del Borgo (The Room of the Fire in the Borgo).
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
Founded in 1836 by Pope Gregory XVI, this museum showcases Etruscan artifacts across eight galleries, featuring vases, bronzes, sarcophagi, and more. It also includes a significant collection of ancient Egyptian relics.
Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo’s breathtaking ceiling, depicting scenes from Genesis, complements frescoes by Renaissance masters like Perugino and Botticelli, making the Sistine Chapel a masterpiece of religious art.
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Gallery of Maps
This 120-meter-long gallery, adorned with 40 painted maps by Ignazio Danti, offers a detailed depiction of the Italian peninsula, with Mannerist art gracing the vaulted ceiling.
Gallery of Statues and Hall of Busts
Part of the Pio-Clementine Museum, this gallery is home to Greek and Roman sculptures, including the Sleeping Ariadne and the Barberini Candelabra, framed by frescoed landscapes.
Lapidary Gallery
Located along the corridor linking the Vatican Palace with the Belvedere Palace, this gallery features over 3,400 ancient inscriptions on slabs, urns, and altars, creating a unique stone library.
The Sala Rotunda
Inspired by the Pantheon, the Sala Rotunda boasts colossal statues and intricate 3rd-century mosaics. The centerpiece is a massive red porphyry basin, with a circumference of 13 meters
Archaeological areas of Vatican Museums
Vatican Necropolis
The word “necropolis” has been derived from the Greek necròs (dead) and pòlis (city), meaning, a “city of the dead”. Since Roman law forbade cremation and burial within the city for safety and hygiene reasons, cemeteries were located along the roads outside the urban area.
One such necropolis was located along the stretch of the Via Triumphalis near the city. Archeological studies have found a large number of ancient tombs, collective and individual, that provide evidence of the practice of cremation and other pagan funerary practices.
Explore the Vatican NecropolisVatican Villas & Gardens
Vatican Gardens
The Vatican Gardens, or Giardini Vaticani, are private gardens within Vatican City, covering 57 acres with a Renaissance layout. The gardens are adorned with sculptures, fountains, monuments, and botanical treasures, some dating back to the 6th century. Visitors can also enjoy spectacular views of St. Peter’s Basilica's dome. Opened to the public in 2014 by Pope Francis, the gardens offer a serene retreat within the heart of the Vatican.
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Castel Gandolfo
Nestled 12 miles from Rome in the Alban Hills, Castel Gandolfo is a charming village overlooking Lake Albano. The centerpiece of this village is the Apostolic Palace of Castel Gandolfo, a 135-acre complex featuring a 17th-century villa, an observatory, and a farmhouse. Since 2016, the Papal Palace has served as a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history.
Discover Castel GandolfoFrequently asked questions about Vatican Museums
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.
