Useful information for visitors
Clothing
Clothing
Access to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica, and the Vatican Gardens is granted solely to visitors who are suitably attired. Attire that includes sleeveless and/or low-cut clothing, shorts that extend above the knee, miniskirts
Security checks by metal detector
Security checks by metal detector
In order to expedite and streamline security screenings conducted by metal detectors, visitors are encouraged to preemptively remove prohibited items from their hand luggage and to notify staff in advance (refer to on Umbrellas, Knives, Weapons)
Luggage, bags and rucksacks
Luggage, bags and rucksacks
Prior to accessing the exhibition areas, all visitors must deposit any luggage, suitcases, rucksacks, packages, and containers deemed inappropriate by staff due to their size or nature in the cloakroom. Those who wish to continue their visit in the Vatican Basilica are advised against leaving their belongings in the Vatican Museums. The cloakroom service is provided at no cost.
Umbrellas, sticks, stands and video cameras
Umbrellas, sticks, stands and video cameras
All medium and large umbrellas (including standard non-telescopic varieties), sticks not intended for walking, tripods and stands for photography, video cameras, as well as any type of banners and signs, must be stored in the cloakroom. However, rods utilized by authorized tour guides for visibility are allowed. The cloakroom service is provided at no cost.
Knives, scissors and metal tools
Knives, scissors and metal tools
In order to safeguard the well-being of visitors and to preserve the artistic heritage, the Vatican Museums mandate that all knives, scissors, and various types of metal tools be deposited in the cloakroom. The service provided by the cloakroom is complimentary.
Weapons and/or hazardous materials
Weapons and/or hazardous materials
The introduction of any form of firearm or hazardous materials into the Museums is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, individuals who are armed, including those possessing a valid license, are not allowed entry.
This restriction applies to police personnel as well, prohibiting them from carrying weapons. Additionally, firearms and dangerous substances are not permitted to be stored in the cloakroom.
Lost & Found
Lost & Found
Visitors are encouraged to report any loss of personal items at the closest security point to facilitate the recovery of the belongings. Should the visitor have already departed from the Museums, assistance may be requested via email.
Kindly be advised that any items discovered and not retrieved by the conclusion of the day will be stored at the Vatican Gendarmerie. The Vatican Museums shall not be held liable for the loss of personal possessions under any circumstances.
Food and drink
Food and drink
The introduction of alcoholic and super alcoholic beverages into the Vatican Museums is strictly prohibited, necessitating that such items be deposited in the cloakroom for the entirety of the visit. Additionally, the consumption of food and drink within the exhibition halls is not allowed. However, visitors may store any food and/or drink they possess in the cloakroom at no cost. It is important to note that these items must be retrieved before the museum's closing time on the day of the visit; any unclaimed food and beverages will be disposed of. Throughout the museum's itinerary, the public can access various vending machines and refreshment areas, which include cafeteria, self-service, and pizzeria options.
Relaxation areas
Relaxation areas
Designated relaxation areas equipped with seating are strategically placed throughout the museum's itinerary, allowing visitors to pause and rest at various locations, including the Courtyard of the Cuirasses, the Courtyard of the Pinacoteca, the Square Garden, and the Courtyard of the Pinecone.
Families at the Vatican Museums
Families at the Vatican Museums
The Museums extend a warm welcome to families accompanied by children and strollers. The security personnel are tasked with guiding visitors along the most convenient paths and directing them to designated elevators that facilitate access to different areas of the museum.
Throughout the itinerary, designated areas are available that include baby changing facilities and a nursing room for mothers who are breastfeeding. Additionally, highchairs can be found in select refreshment zones.
Pets and guide dogs
Pets and guide dogs
Animals, regardless of size, are not allowed entry to the Vatican Museums or the Museum Complex of Castel Gandolfo, with the exception of guide dogs for individuals who are blind or partially sighted, provided that these dogs are fitted with a muzzle and lead. Additionally, animals intended for certified pet therapy are permitted. To facilitate access in such instances, it is required that notification of the visit be communicated via email at least one day prior to the intended visit.
Supervision and protection of the artistic patrimony
Supervision and protection of the artistic patrimony
Touching the artworks within the museums is strictly forbidden, except for blind and partially sighted visitors who are engaged in tactile and multisensory experiences. To ensure the safety of all visitors and to safeguard the complete artistic heritage, every museum area, along with the artworks housed within, is fitted with a sophisticated alarm and video surveillance system.
Photography at the Vatican Museums
Photography at the Vatican Museums
Photography is allowed for personal and domestic purposes in all sections of the Vatican Museums, with the exception of the Sistine Chapel. The use of flash photography is explicitly prohibited.
The utilization of tripods, stands, drones, and/or professional equipment is prohibited unless prior authorization has been granted by the Directorate of the Museums and Cultural Heritage. Additionally, the use of telescopic "selfie sticks" is strictly forbidden.
Photography and filming using any electronic devices are prohibited within the Sistine Chapel. The staff of guards is empowered to demand the immediate deletion of any video or photographic content created in violation of this regulation, and this must occur in their presence.
Mobile phones
Mobile phones
In an effort to provide visitors with an optimal experience, the Vatican Museums firmly advise against the use of mobile phones within the exhibition areas. It is mandatory for visitors to enable the silent mode on their mobile devices. Furthermore, the use of mobile phones is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel.
Visits to the the Sistine Chapel
Visits to the the Sistine Chapel
In consideration of the sacred nature of the site, visitors to the Sistine Chapel are respectfully asked to maintain complete silence during their time there. Guided tour groups will be provided with essential art-historical information before entering the Chapel, despite being equipped with radio headsets. Authorized educational guides have access to totem touch screens that serve to illustrate the artworks that visitors will later appreciate in silence. Additionally, individual visitors and tour guides can find a variety of informative panels containing detailed information about the sacred Chapel and other sections of the Museum along the exhibition route, which includes the Courtyard of the Pinecone and the Square Garden.
Works on loan
Works on loan
When arranging a visit to the Vatican Museums, it is recommended that guests review the "Museums in the World" section to access the list of artworks that are temporarily loaned to other institutions for exhibitions and various events.
Drawing in the Vatican Museums
Drawing in the Vatican Museums
Reproduction or drawing of the displayed works requires special authorization from the Directorate of the Museums and Cultural Heritage, and such activities are limited exclusively to pencil. However, due to a didactic agreement established between the Vatican Museums and the Rome Academy of Fine Arts, students participating in the Artistic Anatomy courses are granted permission to draw the works as part of their academic curriculum.
Amplified microphones
Amplified microphones
The Vatican Museums prohibit the use of amplified microphones. For guided tours consisting of 11 or more participants, it is mandatory to internally hire radio headset systems.
Laser pointers
Laser pointers
The utilization of any form of laser pointer is strictly prohibited within the confines of the museum.
WI-FI
WI-FI
For reasons of security, there is no Wi-Fi access available in any area of the museum.
Map of the Vatican Museums
Map of the Vatican Museums
It is recommended that visitors refer to the official map of the Vatican Museums when organizing and customizing their visit. This map is available for download and printing from the Vatican Museums website or can be accessed by scanning the QR code located within the Museums.
Air-conditioning
Air-conditioning
The limitations imposed by architectural regulations and the stringent requirements for the preservation of cultural heritage significantly restrict the use of air-conditioning in certain high-traffic areas of the museums, particularly during the summer season.
Refuse
Refuse
Refuse such as paper, tins, bottles, and other waste must not be disposed of within the Vatican Museums. Instead, these items should be placed in designated containers that are, for safety considerations, situated exclusively in areas outside the main visitor pathway, including the main entrance, courtyards, refreshment areas, and restrooms.
Smoking in the Vatican Museums
Smoking in the Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are designated as a "no smoking area," and the act of smoking is strictly prohibited throughout the entire museum route, including the Octagonal Court, encompassing electronic cigarettes and similar devices.