Official Website of the Vatican Museums

What is the Vatican Museums’ official website?

The Vatican Museums is managed by the Directorate of Museums and Cultural Heritage, with final decisions made by the Pope through the Vatican’s Governorate. The official Vatican website is available in multiple languages, including English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Dutch.

On the website, you’ll find essential details such as ticket prices, entry tickets, guided tour options, and garden tickets. It also provides useful visitor information, including opening hours, floor map, amenities, and entrances.

Choose the best ticket

Self-guided Vatican Museums entry ticket

• This is the most affordable and popular option for visitors.
• Choose from various time slots between 8 am and 4.30 pm.
• Entry is allowed only at your selected time, but you can stay until closing.
• Grants access to the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel.
• An audio guide option is also available for a richer experience.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel guided tour

• This 3-hour guided tour is available at different times: 7.45 am, 8.15 am, 9.15 am, 11.45 am, 12.15 pm, and 2.15 pm
• Group tours are limited to 20 people for a more intimate experience.
• You can select a tour guide in your preferred language (Spanish, English, Italian, etc.).
• An expert guide provides insightful commentary on the art and architecture of the Vatican Museums.

Papal General Audience ticket

• The Papal audience takes place every Wednesday at 7.30 am.
• The group size is limited to 20 people per guide, although the event is attended by thousands.
• The Pope addresses the crowd, offering a unique opportunity to learn about the Papal Audience’s history and traditions.
• Personal audio headsets ensure clear communication with your guide.

Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel evening tour

• This 2-hour tour begins at 5.30 pm.
• Enjoy the Vatican Museums in the evening when crowds are smaller and the atmosphere is calmer.
• Experience a more personalized tour with a small group and dedicated guide.
• Explore the halls in a quieter, cooler environment, which is especially beneficial during the summer. 

How to buy tickets through the official Vatican Museums website

Attraction and date selection

Visit the Vatican Museums’ official website and click on the ‘Tickets’ option from the left navigation bar on the homepage.

Select “Book online your Tour” to view the available ticket options:

• Museums and Vatican Collections
• Vatican Gardens
• Castel Gandolfo Museum Complex
• Vatican Necropolis

After selecting your preferred ticket type, pick your visit date, enter the number of visitors, and click Confirm.

Ticket selection

A list of available ticket types will be displayed. You can also adjust your date and the number of tickets at this stage.

After making your choice, click Book Now. You will be able to view ticket prices and choose your language preference.

Time slots are available for morning, lunch, and afternoon visits. Pick the most convenient time and proceed.

Check-out & payment

On the booking details page, provide your contact information, including email and phone number. You’ll also need to enter the names of the participants as listed on their IDs.

Payments can be made via credit or debit card. Once payment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email with your receipt and downloadable e-tickets.

Present the e-tickets (printed or on your phone) at the entrance, and you’re ready to explore the Vatican Museums. 

FAQs about the Vatican Museums’ official website

Here are some questions tourists ask before booking tickets from the official Vatican website.