If you’re planning a visit to the Vatican Museums, one of the world’s most iconic cultural and religious landmarks, knowing the Vatican Museum hours is essential to make the most of your experience. This guide provides detailed, up-to-date information about opening hours, closing days, Sistine Chapel timings, Vatican Gardens, St. Peter’s Basilica hours, Mass timings, and much more.
Whether you’re an early bird, a late explorer, or someone looking to attend a religious Mass, we’ve got everything you need to plan the perfect Vatican itinerary.
🔗 To secure your entry to the Vatican Museums, read our article on Vatican Tickets.
Vatican Museum Hours: Official Timings
The Vatican Museums are open Monday through Saturday between 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with the last entry at 6:00 PM. These operating hours offer visitors a wide window of time to explore the incredible collections housed within its walls.
Standard Opening Hours (Monday to Saturday):
8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 5:00 PM)
Visitors must exit by 6:45 PM.
The Vatican Museums remain closed on Sundays, except for the last Sunday of each month, when entrance is free.
Free Sunday Entry Hours (Last Sunday of the Month):
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM (Last entry at 12:30 PM)
Visitors can enter the museum free of cost.
Vatican Museum Timings – Quick Reference Table
| Day | Opening Hours | Final Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Saturday | 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM | 6:00 PM |
| Last Sunday of Each Month | 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM | 12:30 PM |
| All Other Sundays | Closed | Closed |
Vatican Museum Closing Days (2025)
The Vatican Museums are closed on major religious and public holidays. Here are the confirmed closing days:
- Every Sunday (except last Sunday of the month)
- January 1 (New Year’s Day)
- January 6 (Epiphany)
- February 11 (Lateran Treaty Anniversary)
- March 19 (St. Joseph’s Day)
- Easter Sunday & Monday
- May 1 (Labor Day)
- June 29 (Feast of Saints Peter & Paul)
- August 15 (Assumption Day)
- November 1 (All Saints’ Day)
- December 8 (Immaculate Conception)
- December 25-26 (Christmas and St. Stephen’s Day)
Upcoming Temporary & Extraordinary Closures at the Vatican Museums
When planning your visit to the Vatican Museums, it’s important to note that certain galleries or sections may occasionally be subject to temporary or extraordinary closures. These closures can happen for several reasons, such as ongoing restoration works, special events, maintenance needs, or security measures. While the majority of the museums usually remain accessible, some specific areas may be closed for a limited period of time.
The table below outlines the upcoming closure schedule, indicating which sections will be affected, the duration of closure, and the last entry time (if applicable).
| Sector | Date | Hours of Closure | Last Entrance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gregorian Egyptian Museum | 2 October | 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM | 1:30 PM |
| Vatican Museums (all sectors) | 5 November | 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM | — |
Sistine Chapel Hours
The Sistine Chapel, home to Michelangelo’s legendary ceiling and The Last Judgment, is part of the Vatican Museums and follows the same timings.
Sistine Chapel Hours:
Monday – Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last entry 5:00 PM)
Last Sunday of the Month: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Closed on Vatican Holidays
Important: You cannot buy a separate ticket for the Sistine Chapel. Entry is only available with a Vatican Museums ticket.
St. Peter’s Basilica Hours
Though technically not part of the Vatican Museums, most visitors combine a museum tour with a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, located nearby in St. Peter’s Square.
St. Peter’s Basilica Opening Hours:
- April – September: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- October – March: 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM
St. Peter’s Dome (Cupola) Hours:
- April – September: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
- October – March: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Closed: During Papal Masses and special religious ceremonies.
Vatican Gardens Timings
Access to the Vatican Gardens is only allowed with guided tours, which require advance booking. It is a peaceful oasis within Vatican City, featuring Renaissance landscaping, sculptures, and fountains.
Guided Tour Timings:
- Tours generally begin between 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM
- Duration: Approximately 1.5 – 2 hours
- Available Monday to Saturday
Vatican Mass Timings
Attending a Mass in one of Rome’s four major Papal Basilicas is a unique experience for pilgrims and visitors alike. Below are the updated Mass schedules:
Papal Basilica of Saint Peter (St. Peter’s Basilica)
Weekdays: 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Sundays and Holidays: 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 11:30 AM, 12:15 PM, 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM
Basilica of Saint John Lateran
Winter Weekdays: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Summer Weekdays: Same as winter, but evening Mass at 6:00 PM
Sunday Masses: 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Basilica of Saint Mary Major
Sunday: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 11:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Monday – Saturday: 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Weekday Winter Schedule: 6:45 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 5:00 PM
Public Holidays (Summer): 7:00 AM, 8:00 AM, 9:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM
Saturdays & Holiday Eves: 6:00 PM
Benedictine Abbey of Saint Paul Outside the Walls
Monday – Saturday: 8:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM, 7:00 PM
Best Time to Visit the Vatican Museums
To make the most of your Vatican visit, timing is key. The Vatican Museums tend to get extremely crowded during midday, weekends, and peak tourist seasons. The best time to visit is early in the morning, ideally right at 8:00 AM, or in the late afternoon when crowds begin to thin. Tuesdays through Fridays generally see fewer visitors compared to Mondays (after Sunday closure) and Saturdays (weekend crowd).
The off-season (November through February) is also a great time to visit, with fewer crowds and milder weather, except around Christmas and New Year.
Best Time to Visit:
- Time of Day: 8:00 AM or after 3:00 PM
- Best Days: Tuesday to Friday
- Avoid: Mondays and Saturdays
- Best Season: November to February (excluding holidays)
How Long Does It Take to Visit the Vatican Museums?
How much time you need at the Vatican Museums depends on your pace and what you want to see. A quick visit focusing on highlights like the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms can be done in around 2 hours. For a more in-depth experience, including galleries, sculpture halls, and courtyards, allow 3–4 hours. If you’re planning to add St. Peter’s Basilica or the Vatican Gardens to your itinerary, set aside at least 5–6 hours in total.
Time Needed at the Vatican:
- Highlights-Only Visit: 2 hours
- Standard Visit: 3–4 hours
- Full-Day Experience (incl. Basilica & Gardens): 5 to 6 hours or more
🔗Read the Vatican Dress Code to know how to dress appropriately for your visit to the Vatican.
FAQs Related To Vatican Museum Hours
1. Is 3 hours enough for Vatican Museum?
Yes, 3 hours is enough to have a nice and detailed visit of the Vatican Museum, including the main highlights such as the Raphael Rooms and Sistine Chapel. However, if you are an art lover or a history buff, you may want extra time.
2. How much time to spend in the Vatican Museum?
Most Vatican visitors spend 3 – 4 hours exploring the galleries and exhibits, but a full, detailed visit can take 5+ hours.
3. Is the Vatican Museum free?
The Vatican Museum is free to enter only on the last Sunday of each month. Otherwise, entry requires a paid ticket.
4. What time of day is best to see the Vatican Museum?
Early morning at 8:00 AM is ideal to beat the crowds. Late afternoons are quieter too, but you may feel rushed due to the closing time.
5. What are the Vatican Museum’s opening hours?
The Vatican Museums are open from 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Final entry is allowed at 5:00 PM, and the galleries close at 6:45 PM.
6. Are the Vatican Museums open on Sundays?
No, The Vatican Museums remain closed on every regular Sunday, except the last Sunday of each month, when admission is free and opening hours are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM (last entry at 12:30 PM).
7. What time is the last entry to Sistine Chapel?
The final entry to the Vatican Museums, including the Sistine Chapel, is at 6:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. On the last Sunday of each month, the final entry to the museum concludes at 12:30 PM, followed by the closing time at 2 PM.
Sources & References
This article combines firsthand research and practical travel knowledge with trusted references: