The Sistine Chapel is arguably the main highlight of the Vatican Museums, and usually the last place to be visited on tours.Built in the late 15th century as a chapel for the papal palace, the Sistine Chapel became known for its stunning frescoes by Michelangelo and where new popes are selected.The chapel's association with the Vatican Museums began in the early 16th century, when Pope Julius II put his art collection on public display in the Vatican. As the museums expanded around the Belvedere Courtyard, new buildings were erected, with the most important being the Sistine Chapel. Although the chapel is a separate building, it is an integral part of the museums and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Michelangelo’s paintings of scenes from the Book of Genesis that decorate the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel are regarded as masterpieces and some of the greatest works of art in history.
Completed over a period of about four years in 1512, the iconic frescoes posed many challenges to the Renaissance artist; from disagreements with the Pope over what was to be depicted, to the ceiling curvature and dampness hampering the creating process.
You can learn more about the history, methods and choices made for the iconic Sistine Chapel ceiling on our blog post.
Yes, the Sistine Chapel is open to the public and accepts visitors.
To gain access to the Sistine Chapel, which is located inside the Vatican Museums in Vatican City, it will be necessary to purchase tickets for the Museums. Tickets are necessary to visit from Monday to Saturday. On the last Sunday of each month, however, admission is free.
Tickets to the Vatican Museums that include the Sistine Chapel can be purchased in advance here, via the official website, at the museum's ticket office on the day of your visit, as well as through tour operators and travel agencies.
The Sistine Chapel is located inside the Vatican Museums, in the Vatican City.
Yes, guided tours of the Sistine Chapel are usually included in Vatican Museums guided tours.
The best way to skip the line at the Sistine Chapel is to purchase early-access tickets to the Vatican Museums. You will skip the line and enter the Sistine Chapel in the early morning, before the crowds.
The Sistine Chapel visiting hours are the same as for the Vatican Museums. You can find further information on the Vatican Museums opening hours here. Keep in mind that the Sistine Chapel may occasionally close earlier due to special events or ceremonies, so check before visiting. The best time to visit is with early access tickets in the morning, before it gets busy.
Visitors typically spend about 20 to 30 minutes in the Sistine Chapel. Since the chapel is relatively small, it doesn’t take too long to see all the frescoes. As the Sistine Chapel is the most popular attraction in the Vatican Museums though, it can get rather crowded.
No, photography is not permitted inside the Sistine Chapel under any circumstances.
Yes, the Sistine Chapel is accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. There is a lift installed to facilitate access to the chapel for people with limited mobility. If your mobility scooter or electric wheelchair exceeds the lift’s weight and size restrictions, you will be offered a manual wheelchair, free of charge, at the cloakroom.
The Sistine Chapel at the Vatican Museums is undergoing temporary restoration of Michelangelo’s Last Judgment, but remains open to visitors during the works through Easter 2026.
Find out the measures in place to fight overtourism at the Vatican Museums and plan your visit accordingly!
Check out a new accessibility option for the mobility impaired to visit the gardens of Castel Gandolfo.
The Vatican Museums have unveiled a new entrance and exhibition in its underground necropolis, also known as its “city of the dead.”
A list of the 10 biggest, longest, tallest and widest paintings and sculptures in the Vatican Museums.
The Vatican Museums are located in the heart of Rome, which means that after a visit there, there are many more places to head to on a day out in the Eternal City.
Learn more about the rich history, multiple layers of significance and many secrets behind the Sistine Chapel's famous ceiling frescoes by Michelangelo.
Before your visit, make sure you are up to date with the biggest developments in the long history of the Vatican Museums and its impressive collection.
