Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums are a vast collection of art and historical artifacts amassed by the Roman Catholic Church over centuries. Located within Vatican City, the museums comprise over 1,400 rooms, galleries, and chapels, including the world-famous Sistine Chapel ceiling painted by Michelangelo. Visitors can explore ancient Roman sculptures, Renaissance masterpieces, Egyptian mummies, and contemporary religious art. The highlight for many is the Gallery of Maps, the Raphael Rooms, and the spiral staircase. The museums are among the largest and most visited in the world, drawing millions annually. A visit offers a journey through human creativity and faith, from classical antiquity to modern times.

Don't miss

• Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes
• Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello)
• Gallery of Maps with detailed topographical frescoes
• Laocoön and His Sons ancient sculpture group
• Spiral staircase (double helix ramp)

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Vatican Museums

Cheapest way inVATICAN: Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel Skip The Line Tickets4.1★ · 317 travelers1-3 hoursFrom$21 per personSee dates →Most bookedVatican Museums, Sistine Chapel & St Peter’s Basilica Guided Tour4.5★ · 40,917 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$80 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleVatican Museums: Skip the Line Tickets with Escorted Entrance4.2★ · 144 travelers2-4 hoursFrom$30 per personSee dates →

Getting there

Know before you go

• Dress modestly, shoulders and knees must be covered (enforced).
• No photography allowed in the Sistine Chapel; flash prohibited elsewhere.
• Consider an audio guide or guided tour for deeper context.
• Prepare for a lot of walking; comfortable shoes are essential.

A bit of history

Founded by Pope Julius II in the early 16th century when he donated his private collection of sculptures to the public. The museums have since expanded through papal acquisitions and archaeological discoveries.