Traveler Information

Consult all the information you need for your visit to the Vatican

Vatican museum opening hours

The Vatican Museums are open Monday to Saturday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, with the last admission at 6:00 pm. The museums remain closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of the month, when they open from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm (last entry at 12:30 pm) with free admission.

Days Open Regular Hours Last Admission
Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 8:00 pm 6:00 pm
Sunday Closed (Except the last Sunday of the month: 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, with free admission) 12:30 pm

Closures and Holiday Schedule

The Vatican Museums are closed every Sunday, except for the last Sunday of each month (provided it does not coincide with the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul on June 29th). Additionally, the museums are closed on the following public and religious holidays:

Day / Date Status
Every Sunday Closed (Except the last Sunday of each month)
January 1st Closed
January 6th Closed
February 11th Closed
March 19th Closed
April 6th Closed
May 1st Closed
June 29th Closed
August 14th Closed
August 15th Closed
November 1st Closed
December 8th Closed
December 25th Closed
December 26th Closed

Best time to visit Vatican Museum

The best time to visit the Vatican Museums is generally early in the morning, before the crowds arrive. This can also be a good time to see some of the more popular attractions, such as the Sistine Chapel, without having to deal with large crowds.

Best day to visit Vatican Museum

As for the best day to visit the Vatican, it really depends on your personal preferences and what you want to see. If you want to avoid crowds, then visiting on a weekday (Monday to Friday) is your best bet. If you want to experience the museums in a more festive atmosphere, then visiting on the last Sunday of the month when admission is free might be a good option.

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