Are the Vatican Museums worth visiting?

A visit to the Vatican isn’t complete without exploring the museums.

The Vatican is a must-visit destination on a visit to Rome. There is so much to see from the Sistine Chapel to the Vatican Gardens and the Vatican Museums.

History of the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums hold art that has been collected by popes since the 15th century. There are a range of museums that have been founded by former popes. These include the Egyptian Museum, the Pinacoteca, and many more. In the 1970s a contemporary art museum was opened in the Vatican.

What to see at the Vatican Museums

There is so much to see in the Vatican Museums that it can take an entire day to view everything. There’s no going wrong with any of the museums and galleries, but here are a few highlights.

Bramante Staircase

The Bramante Staircase is a double helix staircase that is one of the most photographed staircases in the world. It was designed in the 19th century by Giuseppe Momo and resembles the layout of DNA.

The Raphael Rooms

The Raphael Rooms consist of four rooms that double as the entry to the Vatican. These rooms used to form an apartment and are painted floor to ceiling with murals. The paintings date all the way back to the early 1500s and are still in pristine condition today.

Egyptian Museum

The Gregorian Egyptian Museum was founded in the mid-1800s and is home to an array of ancient Egyptian artifacts. The works of art in this museum occupy nine rooms. The art in these rooms consists of pieces brought to Rome by request of the emperor. Other works of art include Egyptian-influenced pieces created by Romans.

Pinacoteca

The Pinacoteca is one of the newer galleries found in the Vatican, dating back to 1932. The intricate works of art amount to just under 500 paintings that dot the walls of 18 rooms. The paintings range from the 1700s to the 1800s and include masterpieces from artists such as Leonardo da Vinci.

Visit the Vatican Museums on a tour

A great way to visit the Vatican Museums is on a tour. We offer half-day tours so that you can explore the Vatican while adventuring around Rome.

Embark on a morning Vatican tour to be guided through the Vatican and museums with skip the line tickets. After spending the morning exploring, you will have all afternoon to continue your journey through Rome.

Alternatively, you can have a slow start to the morning and join an afternoon Vatican tour. This tour also includes skip the line tickets with a guided tour through the Vatican and museums.

What are you waiting for? Let the adventure begin!