Vatican Museum Facts

Uncover the art, history and hidden gems of one of the world’s greatest museum collections.

The Vatican Museums house over 70,000 works spanning ancient civilizations, Renaissance masterpieces and modern art.

Famed for its ceiling frescoes—including the “Creation of Adam”—the Chapel still hosts sacred ceremonies like the papal conclave.

Designed by Donato Bramante in the 16th century, two intertwining ramps form this spectacular double helix—visible to visitors from above.

Explore mummies, tomb reliefs and ancient pottery in one of the finest collections of Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts outside Egypt and Tuscany.

Also known as the Stanze di Raffaello, these four frescoed chambers showcase Raphael’s “School of Athens” and other High Renaissance works.

Marvel at the ornate carriages once used by popes during ceremonies—richly decorated symbols of papal pageantry.

Dedicated to classical sculpture, this section features “Laocoön and His Sons” and other legendary Greek and Roman masterpieces.

Relax around the massive ancient bronze pinecone—once a fountain—set amidst colonnades in a serene open-air courtyard.

A 120-metre corridor adorned with 16th-century topographic frescoes depicting all regions of Italy, commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII.

Discover art and artifacts from world cultures, highlighting religious practices and traditions from across the globe.