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Vatican Museums, Vatican City

4.2
#1 of 334 in Museums in Lazio
Must see · Art Museum · Religious Site
The easiest way to experience Vatican Museums, featuring an outstanding collection of fine art, is by joining a guided tour. These museums display works from an immense collection that the Roman Catholic church built up over several centuries. You can see some of the most renowned Classical sculptures in the world, as well as numerous Renaissance art masterpieces. Founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, the museums contain 54 galleries. The last stop and a highlight of every tour is the Sistine Chapel, featuring the world-famous ceiling decorated by Michelangelo. You are not required to join a tour, but the collection is spread over an area of nearly 15 km (9 mi), so it's highly recommended. Look online beforehand to choose from many different tour options. Make Vatican Museums part of your personalized Vatican City itinerary using our Vatican City day trip planning site.
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Tours to Vatican Museums

FROM $59 BOOK WITH VIATOR Faster Than Skip-the-Line: Vatican, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter's Basilica Tour
4.6
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
Tours from $59 »
FROM $76 BOOK WITH VIATOR Fast Track - Vatican Tour with Museums, Sistine Chapel & Raphael rooms
4.2
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $76 »
FROM $83 BOOK WITH VIATOR Early Access Vatican Museums Small-Group Tour with Sistine Chapel & St. Peter’s
4.7
Duration: 3 hours
Tours from $83 »

Vatican Museums reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
38,949 reviews
Google
4.6
TripAdvisor
  • By chriskC3761ZW
    I have never visited a better place to see art it is mindblowing it makes you travel through time and see one of the best art pieces there are in existence.Ive been to many museums over time but...  more »
  • By 861mckennan
    This museum is a must see, but not without the Rick Steves audioguide. If you've visited the British Museum or the Smithsonian or the Louvre, you know it's impossible to see it all without a plan...  more »
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Google
  • By vijay buddhu
    Amazing place to visit if in Rome. The art is breathtaking by so many of the greats of the classical era. You can spend days discovering new art at the Vatican no problem. I only went for half a day and felt it was barely enough to just scratch the surface of the Vatican. So much history is here and it is spectacular. Stepping into the sistine chapel is a truly surreal experience as you dive into the artwork that resides On the walls and ceilings. Definitely a must do if in Rome.
  • By Michael Flowitt
    Mind blowing and extensive. You will get overwhelmed very quickly in here. Take your time research some items you really want to see and focus on those. Do not try and see it all in one visit. Too many wonderful things to see. From the rooms themselves to the art and tapestries it really is an incredible collection.
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Popular things to do in Vatican City

St. Peter's Basilica ©
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Side trips from Vatican City

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Historic Sites in Vatican City

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Museums in Vatican City

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