The Vatican Museums are a stunning collection of art. But they can also be overwhelming. The best way to see them is with a guide, who will take you deeper into the art and make it come alive.
In addition to the regular admission tickets, there are special exhibits at the museums that require additional tickets. These include the Carriage Pavilion, which features coaches, saddles, and cars, as well as a collection of sarcophagi from the ancient Roman Empire; the Gallery of Tapestries, which houses Flemish tapestries from the 15th to the 17th century; and the Pio-Christian Museum, which has statues and archaeological finds from the sixth century and beyond.
The Vatican Museums were founded in the early 16th century when Pope Julius II purchased the museum’s first piece of artwork—a marble sculpture known as Laocoon and His Sons that depicts three immaculately detailed male figures fighting off writhing serpents. Since then, the museum has grown to encompass an amazing trove of religious art including masterpieces from Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini.
Whether you’re visiting on your own or with a guided tour, it’s worth planning for 2-3 hours to be able to explore all of the galleries, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica. During the high season, I’d recommend planning to spend a full day here so that you can really enjoy your experience without feeling overwhelmed.