Vatican Museums

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Saint Paul Preaching at Athens: A Raphael Tapestry for the Sistine Chapel

A tapestry from Pope Leo X's Acts of the Apostles series, designed by Raphael, depicting Saint Paul preaching before the Areopagus in Athens. On display in the Hall of the Popes, Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.

Now showingFrom 4 Aug· Free

Two Apostolic Visits to Bangladesh

A display marking two papal visits to Bangladesh, featuring a traditional rickshaw used by Pope John Paul II in 1986 and paintings by Bengali artists commemorating that visit and Pope Francis's 2017 journey. In the Ethnological Museum Anima Mundi.

Now showingFrom 4 Aug

Le Litanie della Vergine di Mario Deluigi. Dialogue between the Sacred and Abstraction

Deluigi's abstract "Litanies of the Virgin Mary (Homage to Mondrian)" with its 1972 silkscreen portfolio, a sketch notebook and two Rubelli textile panels. At the Papal Palace of Castel Gandolfo.

Now showing10 Sept – 15 Nov· Free

Permanent Collections

Gallery of the Geographical Maps

A 120-metre corridor lined with 40 topographical frescoes of the Italian regions, painted 1580-1583, beneath a richly gilded vaulted ceiling. One of the most beautiful halls in the museums.

Permanent collection

The Raphael Rooms

Four papal apartment rooms frescoed by Raphael and his school (1508-1524), including the Room of the Segnatura with the celebrated "School of Athens".

Permanent collection

The Sistine Chapel

Michelangelo's ceiling frescoes (1508-1512) and his monumental "Last Judgment" (1536-1541) on the altar wall, the summit of any Vatican visit and of High Renaissance painting.

Permanent collection

Pio-Clementino Museum

The papal collection of classical antiquities, home to celebrated sculptures including the Laocoon Group and the Apollo Belvedere, displayed around the Octagonal Court.

Permanent collection

Nearby

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St. Peter's Basilica

ArchitectureFree6 min walk

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Castel Sant'Angelo - Museo Nazionale

Art13 min walk

Visitor Information

How much does Vatican Museums cost?

Standard adult admission to Vatican Museums is €20. EUR 20 in person, EUR 25 online (incl. booking fee). Reduced EUR 10 (EUR 15 online). Under 6 free. Free on the last Sunday of the month. Includes the Sistine Chapel.. Prices for special exhibitions and timed-entry slots may differ.

What are the opening hours of Vatican Museums?

Vatican Museums is open Mon-Sat 08:00-20:00 (last entry 18:00). Closed Sundays except the last Sunday of each month (09:00-14:00, free entry). On 10 November 2026 all sectors open at 09:00 instead of 08:00. Also closed 8, 25 and 26 December and other religious holidays; check the official site for the full closure calendar.. Holiday hours can vary, so check the museum's website before you go.

Where is Vatican Museums?

Vatican Museums is located at Viale Vaticano 6, 00165 Roma RM, Italy, in the Città del Vaticano area of Rome. The nearest stations are Ottaviano-S. Pietro-Musei Vaticani (Metro Line A) and Cipro (Metro Line A).

What can I see at Vatican Museums?

The papacy's vast art collection, from Egyptian mummies to Raphael, climaxing in Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling. Current highlights include Saint Paul Preaching at Athens: A Raphael Tapestry for the Sistine Chapel, Gallery of the Geographical Maps and Le Litanie della Vergine di Mario Deluigi. Dialogue between the Sacred and Abstraction.

Do I need to book Vatican Museums in advance?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially for weekends, school holidays, and special exhibitions. Tickets are normally on the museum's website, and a pre-booked timed slot helps you avoid queues at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit Vatican Museums?

Weekday mornings shortly after opening are typically the quietest, especially mid-week. Late afternoons can also be calmer. Weekends, school holidays, and the lunch rush are the busiest periods.