The Vatican Museums are open Monday through Saturday, 8 am to 7 pm, with the last entry at 5 pm.
Starting on 1 March 2024, they will extend their timings on Fridays and Saturdays, staying open until 8 p.m., with the last entrance at 6 p.m.
The Vatican Museum is closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of the month, when it opens from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the last entry at 12.30 p.m.
The best part is that entry to the museums is completely free on the month’s last Sundays.
Even though these free Sundays are crowded, they offer a perfect opportunity for budget travelers to visit the attraction.
All that’s needed is time and patience to endure the crowds in exchange for an affordable cultural experience.
Remember that the museum galleries close 30 minutes before closing time.
Vatican Museum Hours at a Glance
Let us have a quick look at the operating hours of the Vatican Museums in 2024.
| Days | Opening Time | Closing Time | Last Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 8 am | 7 pm | 5 pm |
| Tuesday | 8 am | 7 pm | 5 pm |
| Wednesday | 8 am | 7 pm | 5 pm |
| Thursday | 8 am | 7 pm | 5 pm |
| Friday | 8 am | 8 pm | 6 pm |
| Saturday | 8 am | 8 pm | 6 pm |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed | Closed |
| Last Sunday of Month | 9 am | 2 pm | 12.30 pm |
Note: Last Sundays are open, provided they do not coincide with the holidays of Easter Sunday, St. Peter and St. Paul, Christmas Day, the 26 December Feast of St. Stephen and the 31 December Feast of St. Sylvester.
Museum Holidays 2024
The Vatican Museums are closed on Sundays and certain public and religious holidays throughout the year.
Below are the specific dates in 2024 when the Vatican Museums will remain closed:
| Months | Dates |
|---|---|
| January | 1, 6, and all Sundays |
| February | All Sundays |
| March | 19 and all Sundays |
| April | 1, and all Sundays |
| May | 1, and all Sundays |
| June | 29 and all Sundays |
| July | All Sundays |
| August | 14, 15, and all Sundays |
| September | All Sundays |
| October | All Sundays |
| November | 1, and all Sundays |
| December | 25, 26 and all Sundays |
Note: Vatican Gardens and the Necropolis of the “Via Triumphalis” are always closed on Sundays and public holidays.
You can refer to the official website for more information on the opening hours of Papal Palace and Gandolfo Castle.
Best Time to Visit Vatican Museum
The best time to visit the Vatican Museums is during the early hours of opening, between 8 am and 11 am.
Weekdays, specifically on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, remain less crowded and quieter to go through the exhibition halls peacefully without long lines.
If you want a comfortable visit, we recommend you choose the non-peak season between November and March.
Read here to learn more about the best time to visit Vatican Museums.
How Long Does It Take to Visit?
For a comprehensive visit to the Vatican Museums, you must have two to three hours to go through the important sections.
However, an art and history enthusiast can easily spend more than four hours exploring the 26 exhibition halls and galleries.
If you are short on time, keep in mind that the Vatican Museums have a huge and varied collection.
So, do some research about the galleries and visit based on your interests.
Contents
FAQs on Vatican Museum Hours
1. Is it free entry to the Vatican Museums?
Yes, the Vatican Museum allows free entry every last Sunday of the month. For other days of the week, you must have a ticket.
2. What hours are the Vatican Museums open?
The Museums are generally open at 8 am from Monday to Saturday and close at 7 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, there is a one-hour extension on the closing time at 8 pm, starting on 1 March and ending on 31 December.
3. On what days are the Vatican Museums closed?
All Sundays except the last Sunday of the month are closed. Other holidays are depending on the different festivals and feasts.
4. Can I enter the Vatican Museum’s garden for free?
You cannot enter the museum gardens for free. You must have an entry ticket to the Vatican Museums to enter.
5. How long can I stay inside the museums?
You can stay in the museums for as long as you want, but you should leave the galleries 30 minutes before closing time.
6. Are the Vatican Museums open during Christmas?
The Vatican Museums remain closed on 25 December for Christmas. However, you can enjoy the festivities and visit a few days before and after to see the pre- and post-celebrations.
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Featured Image: Museivaticani.va