Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

What to see

The Vatican Museums combine ancient sculpture, the Raphael Rooms, the Pinacoteca and the Sistine Chapel. Allow around three to four hours, and use the museum map to choose which collections to spend most time in.

The museums are in Vatican City. Their entrance is on Viale Vaticano, separate from the entrance to St Peter’s Basilica in St Peter’s Square.

The Sistine Chapel

Standard museum admission includes the Sistine Chapel, with its painted ceiling and altar wall. Silence is required, photography is prohibited, and visitors must follow the Vatican dress rules.

A museum ticket does not include a special shortcut into St Peter’s Basilica.

Tickets and tours

Adult admission is €20, plus €5 for an official online reservation, making €25 in total. Children under seven enter free; ages seven to eighteen qualify for reduced admission.

Official tickets are non-refundable.

Eligible disabled visitors can obtain free tickets at designated desks with the required documentation.

Some reseller packages add audio, hosting or a live guide. Check what is included before comparing prices; reserved entry still requires security checks.

Opening hours

Ordinary hours are Monday to Saturday, 08:00–20:00, with last entry at 18:00. Most Sundays are closed; eligible last Sundays have shorter free opening.

Check the dated calendar for Sunday and religious-holiday exceptions.