{"id":37706,"date":"2024-05-31T09:45:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-31T09:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/?p=37706"},"modified":"2025-12-18T18:55:33","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T18:55:33","slug":"ultimate-vatican-museums-guide-how-to-visit-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.exp1.com\/blog\/ultimate-vatican-museums-guide-how-to-visit-in-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Vatican Museums Guide: How To Visit in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

No visit to a city is complete without a visit to its best museums. If Paris has its Louvre<\/a> and Madrid the Prado<\/a>, Rome is all about the Vatican Museums.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

While technically inside the independent Vatican City, the Vatican Museums became a must-see for anybody who travels to the Italian capital. Countless visitors come every day to admire the wonders contained inside its walls. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first time I visited myself was on a school trip when I was only 9 years old. It’s typical for Roman students to spend a day at the Vatican Museums, and I was no exception. I’ll never forget the awe I felt that day while walking the halls of the museums. Of course, I\u2019ve been several times since then, and each time, I\u2019m amazed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this blog, I’ll tell you all there is to know about the Vatican Museums and to prepare for your visit. Once you’re there, I do hope you’ll feel the same way that little Roman felt on his first visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How the Vatican Museums started<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Statue<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The history of the Vatican Museums started with one of its most famous statues \u2014 \u201cLaoco\u00f6n and His Sons.\u201d In 1506 the statue, which represents the Trojan priest Laoco\u00f6n and his sons, was discovered in a vineyard in Rome. Pope Jules II bought it and decided to display it publicly at the Vatican. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The popes acquired many art pieces over the centuries and opened different sections of the museums to contain them. In 1771, Pope Clement XIV established the Pio-Clementino Museum to showcase Renaissance and classical art. The year 1932 marked the establishment of the Pinacoteca Vaticana as a gallery showcasing a vast collection of paintings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key exhibits at the Vatican Museums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Hallway<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Vatican Museums contain an impressive collection of classical statues, ancient maps, and beautiful paintings, among many other wonders. It can be difficult to choose the best sights among so many options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So what should you see? The best solution is to go with a guide who can show you the can\u2019t miss artwork and share the stories behind them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But meanwhile, here\u2019s an overview of the key exhibits to enjoy in the Vatican Museums.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pinacoteca Vaticana: <\/strong>Pope <\/strong>Pius XI ordered its construction in 1932 to host the Vatican art gallery. Here you’ll admire paintings from artists such as Raphael, Caravaggio, and Giotto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pio-Clementino Museum: <\/strong>The largest section of the museums, the Pio-Clementino Museum owes its name to Popes Clement XIV and Pius VI. Beautiful Greek and Roman statues will surprise you along the way. In its Octagonal Court, you’ll find the stunning \u201cLao\u00f6con and His Sons.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Egyptian Museum<\/strong>: <\/strong>For a moment, you’ll feel like you’re not in Italy anymore! This section will show you mummies, sarcophagi, and statues from Ancient Egypt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Raphael Rooms: <\/strong>These four rooms are decorated with frescoes by the famous painter Raphael. The rooms were originally supposed to be a part of an apartment for the Pope. Today, they’re one of the greatest examples of the Roman Renaissance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gallery of Maps: <\/strong>The gallery displays frescoes depicting maps of the Italian regions and cities. They’re the work of Ignazio Danti, a geographer. If you ever wondered how people got by before the invention of GPS, here is your answer! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bramante Staircase: <\/strong>This unusual staircase might surprise you. The original staircase was built in 1505, while the current one is much more modern \u2014 from 1932. The unique design of the structure ensures that people going up and down never cross paths. No traffic jams here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sistine Chapel: <\/strong>The iconic chapel was made world-famous by Michelangelo’s genius. If you want to know all about it, check out our guide to the Sistine Chapel<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fun facts about the Vatican Museums<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Stairway<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are endless secrets and curiosities about the Vatican Museums. Here are some of my favorites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n