PLAN YOUR VISIT

We help you plan your visit to the Vatican Museums

Opening Hours

The Vatican Museums in Rome are among the most visited attractions in the world, with a vast collection of art and history. Opening hours are:

Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., last entry at 4 p.m.
Sunday: closed, except on the last Sunday of the month with free entry from 9:00 to 14:00, last entry at 12:30.

Times may vary during holidays and special events. Check the official website for updates.

How to get there

To reach the Vatican Museums in Rome, take the metro line A (red) and get off at the 'Ottaviano-San Pietro-Musei Vaticani' stop. From here, follow the signs to the museums, which are about a 10-minute walk away. You can also opt for buses: lines 49, 32, 81 and 982 stop nearby. Alternatively, trams 19 and 23 offer another public transport option. If you prefer a taxi, tell the driver your specific destination to avoid confusion. Be sure to book tickets online to skip the line at the entrance.

History

The Vatican Museums, located in the Vatican City, are among the most visited museum complexes in the world. Their history began in 1506 when Pope Julius II purchased the Laocoon statue, starting an artistic collection that would grow over the centuries. The museums house a wide range of works of art and historical artefacts, including masterpieces by Michelangelo and Raphael. Over the years, various popes have expanded the collections and buildings, transforming them into a centre of culture and religion. Today, visitors can explore galleries covering millennia of history and art, culminating in the famous Sistine Chapel.

Scroll to Top