One of the most popular art museums in the world is the Vatican Museums. A vast collection of Renaissance masterpieces and other intriguing collections may be found in this enormous complex of 24 galleries, or chambers. Because there is so much to see, it is easy to become overwhelmed, therefore preparation is key. You can avoid the long lineups at the entrance and enter the museums without having to wait if you buy a skip the line ticket to the Vatican Museum in advance. The long lines that are typical at the museum during busy times will be avoided, but you will still need to go through security checks and present your printed or digital voucher (together with a valid photo ID) at the door.

Start your visit in the Pinecone Courtyard, named after the colossal bronze pinecone that dates back to ancient Rome. Enjoy panoramic views of the Vatican’s architecture and admire sculptures from the Roman and Renaissance eras displayed around the courtyard.

The Pio-Clementino Museum is one of the Vatican Museums’ most celebrated sections, renowned for its collection of ancient Greek and Roman sculptures. Founded in the late 18th century by Popes Clement XIV and Pius VI—from whom it takes its name—it was originally established to house the papal collection of classical antiquities. As you walk through its elegant halls, you’ll encounter masterpieces that shaped Western art and deeply inspired Renaissance masters like Michelangelo.

ollow the famous Vatican Galleries, a dazzling corridor of art and ornamentation: Gallery of the Candelabra: ornate Roman sculptures and marble columns. Gallery of Tapestries: exquisite Flemish works designed by Raphael’s pupils. Gallery of Maps: 16th-century frescoed maps of Italy’s regions—vivid, detailed, and breathtaking under the gilded ceiling.

Your journey through the Vatican Museums culminates in the Sistine Chapel, an awe-inspiring space that transcends time and artistry. Here, Michelangelo’s frescoes envelop visitors in a vision of divine beauty—The Creation of Adam captures the very essence of life’s spark, while The Last Judgment unfolds in a sweeping drama of faith and humanity. Revered as one of the greatest achievements in Western art, the Sistine Chapel offers not just a view, but an experience—profound, moving, and unforgettable.