Gregorian Egyptian Museum
A Journey to Ancient Egypt between the Vatican Walls
The Gregorian Egyptian Museum, located within the Vatican Museums in Rome, is one of the leading collections of Egyptian artefacts in the world. Founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839, the museum houses a wide range of artefacts covering a time span from Prehistoric to Roman times. The collection includes statues, sarcophagi, mummies and other funerary objects, offering a fascinating insight into the culture and religion of ancient Egypt. Among the most famous works are the Book of the Dead and a series of sculptures depicting Egyptian deities. The museum not only highlights Egyptian influences in Roman art, but also offers an important record of cultural exchange in the ancient Mediterranean.
Useful information
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.).
- Tickets: We recommend buying tickets online to avoid long waits.
- Location: Located inside the Vatican Museums, accessible with the same ticket.
- Accessibility: Accessible routes are available for people with disabilities.
- Additional services: Audio guides available in several languages.
How to get there
To reach the Vatican Museums in Rome, there are several transport options, depending on the starting point and personal preference:
Underground
The metro is one of the fastest and easiest ways to get to the Vatican Museums. You should take the Line A (orange line) and get off at the 'Ottaviano - San Pietro - Musei Vaticani' stop. From there, the museums are about a 10-minute walk away. Upon exiting the metro, follow the signs to the Vatican Museums.
Bus
Several buses stop near the Vatican Museums. The most useful lines are:
- Line 49It stops right in front of the entrance to the museums.
- Routes 32, 81, 982They stop in Piazza del Risorgimento, a few steps from the entrance.
- Lines 492, 990stop in Via Leone IV / Via degli Scipioni.
Tram
You can also take tram number 19 and get off at the 'Piazza del Risorgimento' stop, which is close to the Vatican Museums.
On foot
If you are already in the centre of Rome, you might consider walking to the museums. For example, it takes about 30 minutes to walk from Piazza Navona.
Taxi or Car Rental
Taxis are readily available throughout Rome and are a convenient option if you want a direct journey. Car hire can also be an option, but bear in mind that parking near museums can be limited.
History
The Gregorian Egyptian Museum was established in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI, an archaeology and antiquities enthusiast, with the aim of enriching the cultural heritage of the Vatican Museums. The foundation of the museum took place at a time when interest in ancient Egypt was growing considerably, fuelled by archaeological discoveries and European expeditions to Egyptian lands.
The museum's initial collection was built up mainly through donations and acquisitions of artefacts from Egypt, as well as archaeological excavations in Italy that uncovered evidence of Egyptian influence on the peninsula. Over the years, the museum has continued to expand its collection to include artefacts ranging from Prehistoric to Roman times.
The Gregorian Egyptian Museum stands out not only for the quality and variety of its exhibits, but also for its role in promoting understanding of the cultural relations between ancient Egypt and Rome. Through its artefacts, the museum tells the story of the contact and exchange between these two great civilisations, offering visitors a unique perspective on the ancient world.
The Gregorian Egyptian Museum was established in 1839 by Pope Gregory XVI, an archaeology and antiquities enthusiast, with the aim of enriching the cultural heritage of the Vatican Museums. The foundation of the museum took place at a time when interest in ancient Egypt was growing considerably, fuelled by archaeological discoveries and European expeditions to Egyptian lands.
The museum's initial collection was built up mainly through donations and acquisitions of artefacts from Egypt, as well as archaeological excavations in Italy that uncovered evidence of Egyptian influence on the peninsula. Over the years, the museum has continued to expand its collection to include artefacts ranging from Prehistoric to Roman times.
The Gregorian Egyptian Museum stands out not only for the quality and variety of its exhibits, but also for its role in promoting understanding of the cultural relations between ancient Egypt and Rome. Through its artefacts, the museum tells the story of the contact and exchange between these two great civilisations, offering visitors a unique perspective on the ancient world.
Reviews
Fascinating Plunge into the Past
Educational and Engaging Experience
A Must for History Enthusiasts
Tips
Take advantage of Audioguides
The available audio guides offer interesting insights into Egyptian artefacts and history. They are an excellent tool to enrich the experience and better understand the context of the exhibits.
Plan your visit in advance
I recommend booking tickets online to avoid long queues at the entrance. In addition, devoting at least a couple of hours to visiting the museum allows you to fully enjoy each room.
Italian 
English