Vatican Museums
Vatican Museums
5 minutes read•Published on 04-10-2024
In Vatican City, you will find the Vatican Museums. These museums are famous around the world because they hold many important pieces of art and other valuable artifacts. These large museums were started in the 16th century by Pope Julius II, and over the years, many Popes have added more and more pieces to the collection. People from all over the world travel to see the art and history on display in these museums, making them a significant cultural destination.
Tickets & tours
A selection of the best tours to experience the Vatican Museums with our partner GetYourGuide. These tours offer the best experience for visitors from all around the world.
A short history
The Vatican Museums, found in Vatican City, were started by Pope Julius II during the early part of the 1500s. These museums began with a collection of sculptures. With time, different Popes contributed to growing the museums by adding more artifacts and works of art. These collections, housed in the interconnected buildings and galleries, are considered some of the most important in the world.
One of the most renowned areas of the Vatican Museums is the Sistine Chapel. This prominent chapel was established by Pope Sixtus IV in the 1400s and it is beautifully decorated with frescoes by famous artists, including Michelangelo. A special part of the chapel is its ceiling which Michelangelo painted from 1508 to 1512. This artistic creation is regarded as a significant masterpiece worldwide.
An integral part of the museums is the display of Roman sculptures. This includes the Apollo Belvedere, the Belvedere Torso, and the Laocoön Group. The museums also house Egyptian and Etruscan art collections, and designated areas for maps and tapestries.
Through the years, the Vatican Museums have expanded a great deal. They maintain a crucial record of culture and human history. Every year, these museums attract millions of individuals from around the globe who come to appreciate the extensive collections and learn about the Vatican's unique history. Presently, the museums signify an essential aspect of the Catholic Church's devotion to preserving the arts.
One reason to visit
The Sistine Chapel is a strong reason to plan a visit to the Vatican Museums. The Sistine Chapel is a popular spot because it is home to a number of beautiful frescoes by the artist Michelangelo. This site, located in Vatican City, gives visitors an opportunity to view these art pieces as they originally appeared. The ceiling of the chapel displays amazing scenes from the Bible. These scenes show the story of Creation and the story of Noah. Being able to see these works of art in person is a special experience that a visit to the Vatican Museums can offer.
Getting there
If you are in central Rome, particularly around the Piazza Navona area, the best course to take by foot to reach the Vatican Museums would be to head towards Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Once on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, walk northwest until you reach the River Tiber (Tevere). Then, turn right and walk on the bridge Ponte Vittorio Emanuele II, then continue walking straight until you reach Piazza Pio XII. From the Piazza, walk up further following the Via della Conciliation until you reach the end of the road and then make a left onto Viale Vaticano. Continue walking along Viale Vaticano and you will come upon the Vatican Museums. Walking should take about 30 to 40 minutes. Be sure to check the opening times of the museum as it varies and it is closed on most Sundays except the last Sunday of the month.
Starting from Termini Station, head southwest along the road Via Giovanni Giolitti. Follow it until you reach Piazza dei Cinquecento and continue onto Via Cavour. Take a slight right onto Via dei Serpenti and then proceed straight onto Via del Boschetto. Turn right on Via Leonina, further turning left at 2nd cross street onto Via in Selci. Turn right onto Via Panisperna and keep left to continue on Via del Grillo. Keep going ahead until you reach Piazza del Grillo. Then get on Via Tor de' Conti and Via dei Fori Imperiali from Piazza Madonna dei Monti and Via dei Fori Imperiali respectively. Keep left to stay on Via dei Fori Imperiali. Next, take Piazza Venezia to Via del Plebiscito and continue onto Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Follow Corso Vittorio Emanuele II as it turns slightly right and becomes Via di Porta Angelica which leads to Vatican City. For the final stretch, turn right onto Viale Vaticano and you will see the entrance to the Vatican Museums. Please remember that helmets and safety gears are vital while biking.
You can reach the Vatican Museums by taking the Rome Metro. You need to get on the Metro line A (Orange Line) and get off at the Ottaviano-S. Pietro station. This station is a short 10-minute walk away from the museums. Alternatively, you can take the Bus number 49, it stops right in front of the Museum entrance. Another option is Bus 32, 81, 982, 492, 990, they stop at Piazza del Risorgimento, which is a 5-minute walk from the museums.
First, from the city center in Rome, you will need to head west towards the Vatican City. Travel on Viale Giulio Cesare until you reach Piazza Risorgimento. This will be your landmark for the nearest parking area, as vehicles are not allowed inside Vatican City. The onsite parking is always full, so you will be better off using the public car park. After parking, you will need to walk to the Vatican Museums. It is about a 10-minute walk from Piazza Risorgimento. Head down Via Andrea Doria and turn right onto Viale Vaticano, you will then reach the entrance of the Vatican Museums. Please keep in mind that you have to book your tickets beforehand as they do not sell them on site.