Vatican Museums boast one of the greatest art collection in the world. Collected over 500 years, the lush and eclectic artifacts and artworks are displayed along impressive 7km of corridors, ranging from Egyptian mummies to modern paintings. The main highlights include the collection of classical statues in the Museo Pio-Clementino, Raphael’s rooms filled with frescoes and, of course, Michelangelo’s other-worldly Sistine Chapel.
History of Vatican Museums
The opulent exhibition we see today started off as a private collection of sculptures of Pope Julius II in the 16th century; the same pope who fueled the reconstruction of St Peter’s Basilica. However, the popes didn't share the beauty of their collection until after February 1929; after the approval and foundation of the Vatican City State. Before that, the only ones who could see and appreciate the art were nobles, kings, and dignitaries.
Today, the museums with its galleries reside in the Palazzo Apostolico Vaticano consisting of two palaces. The first palace is the original Vatican palace (closer to St Peter’s Basilica); The second, Palazzetto di Belvedere from the 15th-century which joins to two long galleries. Inside, there are three lovely courtyards: Cortile della Pigna, Cortile della Biblioteca and, Cortile del Belvedere. The complex is so large it is impossible to visit and see everything in a day. Therefore, when inside, it is important to prioritize.
Tips for Visiting Vatican Museums
The main concern people have when visiting the Vatican is avoiding the queues and crowds. If you are there anytime between March and November it is virtually impossible to avoid the crowds but avoiding queues is a whole other story.
The best way to get in without the long wait is purchasing fast-track tickets in advance. You will be able to fast-track your access straight to the museums. Allow minimum 2-3 hours for your excursion. Given the immense size of the complex, first-time visitors should truly consider booking a tour instead of a ticket. In this case, it is really worth the money. Otherwise, you might be risking missing out on many important artworks.
Taking a tour has a few more advantages besides getting concise information. There are two separate entrances to the Museums and the Basilica. While you can buy a skip-the-line ticket for the museums, this is not the case with the church. If you only buy museum tickets, you will have to get back out of the Vatican, walk over a kilometer and stand in the queue for the basilica; it can amount to over three hours of waiting. However, tours access the basilica through a special corridor. This means saving yourself a few kilometers of walking back out as well as hours of queuing. Furthermore, if you book the VIP early access tour that lets you in one hour before the general public, you will have a chance to enjoy Sistine Chapel without the crowds pushing you out too fast (it’s quite small).
Practical Information
Please ensure you wear appropriate clothes as the Vatican is fairly strict about the dress code. Also, ensure you are entering the museum with a full stomach and some sort of snack in your backpack as you will do a lot of walking.
The museums are also well-adjusted for visitors with disabilities providing suggested itineraries, specially fitted toilets and lifts where necessary. Wheelchairs are also available for free from the Special Permits desk (central hall). You can reserve them by emailing accoglienza.musei@scv.va Good news for the parents, you are allowed to take prams into the museums for toddlers!