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Vatican Museums Opening Hours & Closing Days (2026)
Opening hours at a glance
The Vatican Museums are open Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with the last entry at 6:00 p.m. They close on Sundays, with one exception: the last Sunday of every month, when entry is free from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (last entry 12:30 p.m.).
Because the collection runs one-way for about seven kilometres to the Sistine Chapel, give yourself at least three hours inside. For the shortest queue and the coolest rooms, aim for the 8:00 a.m. opening or arrive after 4:00 p.m., once the morning tour groups have thinned out.
Friday night openings
On selected Fridays from April to October, the Museums stay open into the evening (roughly 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., last entry 9:30 p.m.). These slots must be booked in advance and are one of the calmest, coolest ways to see the galleries in summer.
Free entry on the last Sunday
The free last Sunday draws big crowds, cannot be pre-booked, and means long queues. It does not run when the last Sunday falls on Easter Sunday, 29 June, 25 or 26 December, or 31 December. If your time in Rome is tight, a paid skip-the-line ticket on another day is usually the better call.
Vatican Museums closing days in 2026
Beyond Sundays, the Museums close on these public and religious holidays. Always confirm the date on your ticket before travelling.
| 2026 date | Occasion |
|---|---|
| 1 January | Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God |
| 6 January | Epiphany |
| 11 February | Anniversary of Vatican City State |
| 19 March | Saint Joseph |
| 6 April | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Saint Joseph the Worker |
| 29 June | Saints Peter and Paul |
| 14–15 August | Assumption (Ferragosto) |
| 1 November | All Saints' Day |
| 8 December | Immaculate Conception |
| 25–26 December | Christmas |
The Museums stay open on many days that are public holidays elsewhere, so a day off at home doesn't mean they're shut here. When a big feast is near, book early: the open days on either side fill up fast.
Opening hours: frequently asked questions
- What time do the Vatican Museums open?
-
Monday to Saturday from 8:00 a.m., with the last entry at 6:00 p.m. and closing at 8:00 p.m. The ticket desks and the route toward the Sistine Chapel start clearing shortly before closing, so don't arrive right at the end.
- Are the Vatican Museums open on Sunday?
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They close on Sundays except the last Sunday of the month, when entry is free from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (last entry 12:30). Expect long queues and no online booking on those days.
- Which days are the Vatican Museums closed in 2026?
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The main closures are 1 and 6 January, 11 February, 19 March, 6 April, 1 May, 29 June, 14–15 August, 1 November, and 8, 25 and 26 December, on top of regular Sundays. The full list is in the table above.
- Can I visit the Vatican Museums at night?
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Yes. On selected Fridays from April to October the Museums open in the evening (about 7:00–11:00 p.m., last entry 9:30). These slots are booked in advance and are quieter and cooler than the daytime.
- Is it better to go early or late in the day?
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The 8:00 a.m. opening and the last two hours before closing are the calmest. Midday, roughly 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., is the busiest and hottest stretch.
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