Vatican  Museums​

​By Dion Protani
Latest update: 23 January 2024
The Vatican Museums were established in 1506 by Pope Julius II and are housed within the Vatican City complex in Rome.

Around 20,000 works of art are on display throughout the vast museum complex and particular highlights of the typical itinerary include the Sistine Chapel, the Stanze di Raffaelo with their frescoes by Raphael and the spiralling Bramante Staircase.
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Profile
The Vatican Museums are a group of art and Christian history museums located within Vatican City, the smallest independent state in the world and the spiritual center of the Roman Catholic Church.

​The museums were established in the early 16th century when Pope Julius II founded the "Cortile delle Statue" (Courtyard of the Statues) and displayed ancient sculptures to the public.
History
Over the centuries, subsequent popes expanded the museum complex and added new collections, making it one of the most extensive and significant art collections in the world.

Today, the Vatican Museums attract millions of visitors each year who come to admire the vast array of art, artifacts, and historical treasures on display, spanning from ancient times to the Renaissance and beyond.
Key features
  • Sistine Chapel: The iconic Sistine Chapel, located within the Apostolic Palace, houses Michelangelo's famous frescoes on its ceiling and altar wall, including the renowned "Creation of Adam."
  • Raphael Rooms: These are a series of four rooms in the Vatican Palace frescoed by the great Renaissance artist Raphael and his workshop.
  • The Gallery of Maps: A long corridor decorated with a series of detailed maps depicting the Italian regions during the Renaissance.
  • The Stanze di Raffaello: Raphael's private apartments adorned with exquisite frescoes, showcasing his mastery as an artist.
  • Egyptian Museum: A collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts, including mummies, statues, and tomb decorations.
  • The Vatican Pinacoteca: An art gallery displaying works by notable artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Titian.
  • The Vatican Ethnological Museum: Showcasing cultural artifacts and art from various indigenous communities worldwide.
Visitor information
  • ​Accessibility: The Vatican Museums are equipped with facilities to accommodate visitors with disabilities, including elevators and ramps in various areas.
  • Dress Code: Visitors to the Vatican Museums are required to dress appropriately, covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect for the religious nature of the site.​
  • Getting There: The Vatican Museums are located within Vatican City, near St. Peter's Square, and are easily accessible by public transportation or on foot from various parts of Rome.
  • ​Visiting Hours: The Vatican Museums are generally open from Monday to Saturday, with limited hours on Sundays. During peak tourist seasons, extended evening openings are available.
  • Entry Fee: There is an entrance fee to access the Vatican Museums. Tickets can be purchased online in advance to avoid long lines, or visitors can buy them at the museum entrance.​
  • Guided Tours: Guided tours led by knowledgeable guides are available and highly recommended. They provide insight into the rich history, art, and religious significance of the Vatican Museums' collections.
Musei Vaticani
City: Rome

Province: ​Metropolitan City of Rome

Region: ​Lazio

Established: 1506

Close by: Vatican City, Saint Peter's Basilica, Castel Sant'Angelo

Nearest Metro stop: Ottaviano - Line A - 850 m - 10 minute walk

Fly to: Rome Fiumicino Airport - 24 minutes by car (28 km)​

​​​​​Recommended accommodation: Hotel Artemide
UNESCO World Heritage Site

Vatican City

​Year: 1984

Vatican  Museums​​  Gallery

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