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THE VATICAN MUSEUMS: HOW TO

With over 20 000 artifacts on display, and an average of 6 million visitors a year, the Vatican Museums can be overwhelming. Here are the top 5 things to keep in mind when visiting:

  1. Modesty is key: due to the sacredness of the Sistine Chapel, the museum, and the staff that works there, are very strict with the dress code. Bare shoulders and knees are not allowed, so it is better to be safe than sorry and wear more conservative clothing. If you’re visiting during the hot summer months, bring either a change of clothes or a shawl to cover yourself once you’ve entered the museum. 
  2. Masks are no longer required inside the museum. You are more than welcome to wear one if you prefer, but the mandate has been lifted since June 2022. 
  3. Timing is everything. It can get quite busy from around 8:00 to 11:00 in the morning, and without skip-the-line tickets, the wait can get quite long. The afternoon is less crowded and recommended, but it all depends on your schedule and preference. Go early, and you are more fresh-faced to see all the art waiting for you and the rest of the day is free, or go later and have a more relaxed experience, with air conditioning to beat the summer heat. 
  4. It is very big! There are around 54 museums with 1400 rooms. You’ll need to carve out around two and a half hours for your visit. But don’t fret, the museum is filled with cafés, restaurants, and seating areas for you to take a break in. 
  5. No photos in the Sistine Chapel. This may come as a surprise to many, but due to the religious nature of the Chapel, Photography is strictly prohibited inside the Chapel. But do not worry, you’ll be able to take as many photos as you want inside the museums. 

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