Hours and openings
Opening days and hours
From Monday to Thursday
8.00 am - 7.00 pm (the exit from the museum and exhibition areas starts at 5.00 pm).
Friday and Saturday
8.00 am - 8.00 pm (last entrance 6.00 pm)
Last Sunday of the month
9 am - 2.00 pm (last entrance 12.30 pm).
Closing days in 2024
The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums are not open on 1 and 6 January, 19 March, 1 April, 1 May, 29 June, 14 and 16 August, 1 November and 25, 26 December.
Best time to visit the Sistine Chapel
The best time to visit the Sistine Chapel is around 1:00 pm on weekdays or early in the morning by queuing up before opening.
To enjoy the visit with fewer people we recommend:
- not to go on the last Sunday of the month (when entrance is free);
- not to go during Holy Week;
- avoid Saturdays and Sundays in high season.
The best way to save time is to buy your ticket online and choose your preferred time.