Useful information
What's in the museums?
Inside the Museums are the works accumulated by the various Popes over the centuries.
You can admire the frescoes by Michelangelo in the Sistine Chapel, the Raphael Rooms, the Gallery of Maps and the Pinecone Courtyard.
How to book a visit to the Vatican Museums?
After reopening in the post-COVID-19 months it became mandatory to book your ticket online.
There are various types of tickets: skip the queue, with audio guide, guided tour. It depends on how much time you want to dedicate to discovering one of the most beautiful museums in the world.
How long does it take to visit the Vatican Museums?
To visit the Vatican Museums it takes a few hours. If you visit without audioguide or guided tour it takes between 2 and 3 hours depending on when you stop to admire the works.
With an audio guide at least 3 hours since you will stop in front of the works to listen to its secrets.
The guided tour is the one that lasts longer but it is definitely the one we recommend because it allows you to better appreciate the history and beauty preserved in the Museums.
What is forbidden in the Vatican Museums?
In the Vatican Museums it is forbidden to smoke (even electronic cigarettes), eat food and drinks inside the halls and it is forbidden to introduce alcoholic and super alcoholic beverages. Any type of firearm and/or hazardous material is prohibited.
It is absolutely forbidden to touch the works of art (except for the blind public in the special visits) and you can not use the laser pointers.
What rules should we follow in the Sistine Chapel?
Visitors to the Sistine Chapel are asked to observe absolute silence. It is absolutely forbidden to use a mobile phone in the Sistine Chapel and it is strictly forbidden to take photos and film inside the Sistine Chapel.
What security measures are in place?
Security controls via metal detectors are required prior to access to the Museums. Wi-Fi is not available in the Vatican Museums for security reasons and the use of mobile phones is not recommended.
Is it possible to take photos in the Vatican Museums?
You can take photos without flash inside the Vatican Museums. It is forbidden to use the photo stand of professional equipment and the extendable stick for selfies.
The only area where taking pictures is forbidden is the Sistine Chapel.
Is there a cloakroom in the Museums?
Inside the Vatican Museums there is a free cloakroom service. Prior to entry, visitors must deliver suitcases, luggage, backpacks, and unsuitable parcels. Cameras, easels and umbrellas are also to be delivered.
Knives, scissors and other metal tools can be stored in the wardrobe.
In case of loss of personal belongings, it is possible to report it to the custodial staff or by email if you have already left the Museum.
Is it possible to stop in front of the works to reproduce them?
It is necessary the authorization of the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage for the reproduction or design of the exhibited works.
Can animals enter the Vatican Museums?
It is forbidden the access of the animals to the Museums, even small. Guide dogs for blind or partially sighted are an exception.
Are there any dining options?
To allow visitors a moment of rest, along the museum path there are relaxation areas with seats.