Nestled in the heart of Rome, the Vatican Museums house one of the most extensive and important art collections in the world. Awaiting you is an artistic assortment of priceless works – collected over the centuries by popes and other religious representatives – including sculptures, geographical maps, paintings and archaeological artefacts. The museums are made up of several sections, the most famous being the chamber of the Sistine Chapel. The Vatican Museums are a must-see attraction during your trip to Rome.
Established by Pope Julius II in 1506, the museums were not opened to the public until 1771. Originally created as a collection of classical sculptures, the museum’s core is the Cortile Ottagono, which still houses the Laocoon sculptural group, considered the Vatican Museums’ first exhibit. Over the centuries, the collection expanded considerably, leading to the opening of the ‘Braccio Nuovo’ in 1822 and several thematic museums, including the Egyptian Museum, the Etruscan Museum and the Profane Lateran. Today, the Vatican Museums boasts a plethora of priceless works of art. They’re all housed in 12 different museums ranging from classical sculpture, and Renaissance art to religious frescoes. The museum itinerary is 7km long and has more than 70,000 exhibits.
Things to know before you go
Avoid clothing that’s unbuttoned, low-cut and does not cover up to the knees.
Photographs for domestic and private use are permitted anywhere but the Sistine Chapel.
Flash photography is not permitted
The Vatican Museums are accessible to people with disabilities. However, for reasons of space, access may be barred in some areas if you’re moving with mobility scooters or electric wheelchairs.
Drinking and eating aren’t allowed inside the exhibition halls, though there are numerous refreshment areas along the route where snacks and drinks can be purchased and consumed
Opening hours of the Vatican Museums:
Monday through Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00, admission permitted until 16:00.
From April 14 to October 28, 2023, Monday through Saturday from 09:00 to 22:30.
Sunday closed, except for the last Sunday of the month, free admission, 09:00 to 14:00.
How to get to the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are in the Vatican City, on the west bank of the River Tiber, in a location well connected by public transportation.
The entrance to the museums is from Viale Vaticano 6, Rome, on Italian territory.
By Metro – Line A, Ottaviano or Cipro stops, about 20 and 15 minutes’ walk from the entrance to the museums, respectively.
By bus – take lines 49, Piazzale Musei Vaticani stop, about 15 minutes’ walk from the entrance, 32, 81, 982, stop Piazza del Risorgimento, about 20 minutes’ walk from the entrance, 492, 990, stop Via Leone IV/Via degli Scipioni, about 15 minutes’ walk from the entrance.
By tram – take line 19, stop at Piazza del Risorgimento.
By car – park at Super Garage San Pietro, about 15 minutes’ walk from the entrance, or Aurelia Parking, about 14 minutes’ walk from the entrance.
By taxi – station in the square in front of the Vatican Museums
