Visiting the Vatican Museums during the Jubilee Year 2025

by letygoeson24, Apr, 2025Italy, Lazio

One of the most common questions travelers ask before arriving in Rome is how to make the most of their experience visiting the Vatican Museums. This extraordinary place deserves a well-planned visit to fully enjoy its wonders without stress or long waits.

Visiting the Vatican Museums in Rome is a one-of-a-kind experience that blends art, faith, and history in a truly unparalleled setting. Located in the heart of Rome, Vatican City is the smallest independent state in the world, yet it holds some of the most extraordinary treasures ever created by humankind. At its artistic core lie the Vatican Museums—a labyrinth of wonders that narrate centuries of culture, spirituality, and genius. Visiting the Vatican Museums requires some planning, especially if you want to avoid hassle and long lines. In this guide, you’ll find all the essential information for accessing the Vatican Museums, along with practical tips and curiosities to make the most of your experience.

In this particularly significant historical moment, with the recent funeral of Pope Francis and the upcoming election of a new Pope, the Vatican is more than ever at the center of worldwide attention. Additionally, the arrival of the Holy Year of Jubilee in 2025 means that Visiting the Vatican Museums could involve even longer lines than usual. Planning ahead is now essential.

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Visiting the Vatican Museums during the Jubilee Year 2025

Vatican City: a state within the city of Rome

Before diving into practical advice for Visiting the Vatican Museums, it’s important to understand where you are. Vatican City is an independent sovereign state within Rome—just 44 hectares in size, yet home to some of the most visited landmarks in the world, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Gardens, the Apostolic Palace, and of course, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Right now, emotions and crowds are running high. The funeral of Pope Francis has just concluded, and pilgrims have already begun to arrive for the upcoming papal election and the Holy Year. This makes Visiting the Vatican Museums even more impactful—and potentially more crowded.

St. Peter’s Square and Basilica: the heart of the Vatican

Visiting the Vatican in Rome doesn’t only mean Visiting the Vatican Museums—a key stop is also St. Peter’s Square, the Baroque masterpiece designed by Bernini, and the grand St. Peter’s Basilica, Christianity’s most important church. Here, you’ll marvel at Michelangelo’s Pietà, Bernini’s massive baldachin, and the majestic dome.

If you want to include the Basilica in your itinerary, keep in mind that it too will be crowded. Among the top tips for both sites: book skip-the-line tickets or a guided tour to make the most of your time during this historically significant year.

Essential tips for visiting the Vatican Museums

If you’re wondering how to visit the Vatican Museums without wasting time, here are some essential tips:

Online booking: Reserve tickets in advance through the official website. Especially during this high-traffic period, it’s the best way to skip hours-long lines.
Opening hours: Usually Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM). On select Sundays, admission is free—but more crowded.
Security checks: You’ll go through metal detectors. Don’t bring knives, scissors, or spray bottles.

How to access the Sistine Chapel

Many wonder how to visit the Sistine Chapel. The answer is simple: it’s included in the standard route through the Museums. You can’t access it separately. You’ll need to follow the museum path, which concludes with Michelangelo’s breathtaking masterpiece—one of the ultimate highlights when Visiting the Vatican Museums.

More artistic infos here

Useful information for accessing the Vatican Museums

Here are a few practical tips for visiting the Vatican in Rome and having a memorable experience:

Choose the right time: If possible, visit during the week and avoid weekends and public holidays. Early morning or late afternoon are usually less crowded.
Dress appropriately: To visit the Vatican, including St. Peter’s Basilica, the Vatican Museums, and the Sistine Chapel, respectful attire is required. Shorts, skirts above the knee, tank tops, and low-cut clothing are not allowed. Bring a scarf or shawl to cover up if needed.
Bring water and a snack: The tour can last several hours. While there are cafes and rest points inside, having a water bottle with you is a good idea.
Use a guide or audio guide: To better appreciate the vast collection, consider booking a guided tour or renting an audio guide at the entrance. Alternatively, there are official and unofficial apps that let you explore at your own pace.
Check for special closures and hours here: Vatican Museums official hours

Why visiting the Vatican Museums is a must

Visiting the Vatican Museums is much more than admiring artwork—it’s a true journey through history, faith, and human creativity. The halls, galleries, and courtyards are so rich that every corner deserves hours of contemplation.

Among the wonders you’ll encounter:

The Raphael Rooms, decorated by the master from Urbino in a brilliant celebration of Renaissance culture, including the famed School of Athens.
The Gallery of Maps, a long corridor featuring stunning 16th-century frescoed maps of Italy that feel surprisingly modern.
The Egyptian Museum, transporting you through mummies, ancient statues, and mysterious hieroglyphs.
The Pio-Clementine Museum, home to stunning classical sculptures like the famous Laocoön and the Apollo Belvedere.
The Vatican Pinacoteca, displaying masterpieces by Giotto, Caravaggio, Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and many others.
The Tapestry Gallery, where exquisite tapestries based on Raphael’s designs almost come to life.
The Pinecone Courtyard, a scenic break spot dominated by the massive bronze pinecone that gives the courtyard its name.
The Collection of Modern Religious Art, often overlooked, but showcasing spiritual dialogue with contemporary art, featuring works by Dalí, Chagall, and Van Gogh.

And of course, the highlight of the visit is visiting the Sistine Chapel.

Now that you know all the secrets to visiting the Vatican Museums in an organized and efficient way, it’s time to book your visit and get ready for an extraordinary experience. Remember: book your tickets early, wear appropriate clothing, and prepare to be amazed by one of the most precious art collections in the world. Visiting the Vatican in Rome during such a historic period will add even more depth to your trip. And when you finally stand before the magnificence of the Sistine Chapel, you’ll know every moment of preparation was worth it.