Vatican Museums

Museum
★ 4.8 (11K+ reviews) • 161K+ booked
Explore the majestic Vatican Museums in Rome, home to one of the world’s greatest collections of art, culture, and history. From ancient Rome to the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, the museums showcase treasures from civilizations across time. Highlights include classical sculpture, Raphael’s frescoes, and Michelangelo’s awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel ceiling. To avoid long queues, it’s best to book priority access or reserved entry tickets in advance. Many options include a multilingual audio guide, making it easy to explore at your own pace.
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00120 Vatican City
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Vatican Museums Reviews

4.8 /5
11K+ reviews
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CHAI *****
9 Sep
I wouldn't recommend going to the Vatican Museum on Mondays. Since it's closed on Sundays, it gets incredibly crowded on Mondays, which made it particularly tough. 🥲 Even with the crowds, I'm grateful to our guide, 💖Emma💖, who led us to places to rest and made sure we were as comfortable as possible while listening to the explanations in cool areas. I had to drop out of the afternoon Rome city tour due to back pain from too much walking, but it was still a worthwhile and fulfilling tour. They provided lots of great information, from souvenir recommendations and restaurant tips to pickpocketing warnings, so I highly recommend taking the tour when you come to Rome! This was my first overseas trip with my parents, and I was even more satisfied because our guide took such beautiful photos of us. Thank you! 🫶
Klook User
9 Sep
This place was amazing. It was a long day. It took 2 hours of walking inside. I wish I booked an earlier appointment. I think in the morning would have been better.
2+
Klook User
9 Sep
It’s so much easier with a pre booked ticket. The Pantheon was amazing.
1+
C *
8 Sep
v patient and professional guide. save a lot of time in exploring the place. got the chance to go through the holy door. would highly recommend it.
2+
Steve *******
8 Sep
The night review was certainly an experience. Crowds were also not as chaotic. Kathy was a charm on the tour and very informative.
Steve *******
8 Sep
Asunta was fantastic. Very well spoken and had a lot of insight to the journey. she was also very on the ball when it came to prime locations and uninterrupted views to take photos.
1+
Ka ***************
7 Sep
Fast and easy. The wait time to get in is short. Pantheon is a must-see given the history. Especially must see the tomb of Ralphaelle. Check out the dome as well, which you will be amazed how people did it 2000 years ago.
2+
Ka ***************
7 Sep
Fantastic experience! We got a very good guide Martina, who speaks fluent English. She is funny and very communicative and very willing to help. She took us through the Vatican Museums and took us through Sistine Chapel and went through with us key things to watch. Appreciate her taking us also into the rooms of Ralphaelle and saw "the school of Athens". love it. We also got to Basilica De Saint Pietro thru VIP access, which saves tremendous amount of time. We also got through the Holy Door which opened this year Jubilee year every 25 years. Amazing. Immediately on the right we saw Michelangelo's Pietà. Also Baldaccino in the Basilica is also amazing. Must see. This tour has so much to see. so enjoyable!
2+

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What to know about Vatican Museums

Vatican Museums Must-Visit Collections

Sistine Chapel

The Sistine Chapel is the crown jewel of the Vatican Museums. Michelangelo's masterpieces, including The Creation of Adam and The Last Judgment, make this one of the most recognized artistic spaces in the world.

Raphael Rooms

Commissioned by Pope Julius II, the Raphael Rooms are filled with breathtaking frescoes such as The School of Athens. These works showcase Raphael's genius and stand alongside creations by such artists as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.

Museo Pio Clementino (Pio Clementino Museum)

The Pio Clementino Museum houses some of the finest examples of classical sculpture from ancient Rome and Greece, including the famous Laocoön and His Sons. It's a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.

Museo Gregoriano Etrusco (Gregorian Etruscan Museum)

The Museo Gregoriano Etrusco holds remarkable artifacts from the Etruscan civilization, offering unique insight into Italy before Rome's dominance.

Egyptian Museum

The Egyptian Museum features mummies, papyri, sarcophagi, and artifacts that highlight the deep cultural exchange between Egypt and Rome.

Museo Chiaramonti

The Museo Chiaramonti is lined with sculptures, busts, and reliefs celebrating the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Gallery of Maps

Walk through the Gallery of Maps, a corridor adorned with 16th-century frescoes of Italy. This fusion of cartography and art remains a favorite stop for visitors.

Vatican Museums Opening Hours & Visitor Information

  • Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM -- 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).

  • Closed: Sundays, except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free.

  • Location: Viale Vaticano, 00165 Rome, Italy.

Tips for Visiting Vatican Museums

  • Book priority access or reserved entry tickets online to skip the queues.

  • Consider a multilingual audio guide or guided tour for deeper insights.

  • The Vatican Museums are vast, plan your route to include highlights like the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and the Pio Clementino Museum.

Attractions Near Vatican Museums

  • San Pietro (St. Peter's Basilica): Admire Michelangelo's Pietà and Bernini's Baldachin.

  • St. Peter's Dome: Climb for panoramic views of Rome.

  • Vatican Gardens: Explore serene landscapes, fountains, and sculptures (entry only with guided tours).