The Vatican Museums represent one of the most important and fascinating artistic and cultural collections in the world, attracting millions of visitors each year eager to admire the wonders housed inside. To ensure an enjoyable and respectful visiting experience, it is essential to follow certain rules and guidelines. From appropriate attire to the permitted use of electronic devices, passing through safety rules and practices for the protection of the artistic heritage, this regulation offers a useful guide for all those who wish to explore the treasures of the Vatican Museums. Whether families with children, groups of friends or art lovers, every visitor is invited to respect these rules to help preserve the beauty and integrity of this extraordinary place.
Vatican Museums Regulations: clothing
Admission to the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens is only permitted to visitors dressed in a dignified manner. No unbuttoned clothing, shorts that do not cover up to the knees, miniskirts or hats are allowed. Decorum also extends to personal items and distinctive signs (such as tattoos) that may offend Catholic morals and religion.
Vatican Museums regulations: luggage, bags
Before entering the exhibition areas, visitors must deposit luggage, suitcases, backpacks, parcels and containers not deemed suitable by the staff in the cloakroom. Visitors proceeding to the Vatican Basilica are advised not to leave their luggage in the Vatican Museums. The cloakroom service is free of charge.
Vatican Museums regulations: cloakroom
To ensure the safety and protection of the artistic heritage, the Museums require the handing over of knives, scissors and metal tools to the cloakroom. The cloakroom service is free of charge.
Vatican Museums Regulations: lost and found
In case of loss of personal items, visitors should report it to the nearest custodian station, who will check if it has been found. If the visitor has already left the Museums, he/she can send a request for assistance to the email address accoglienza.musei@scv.va. Items not claimed during the day will be kept by the Vatican Gendarmerie. The Museums are not responsible for the loss of personal belongings.
Vatican Museums Regulations: animals and guide dogs
Animals, even small animals, are not allowed in the Vatican Museums, as well as in the Museum Complex of Castel Gandolfo. Exceptions are guide dogs for the blind, provided they are leashed and muzzled, and pets certified for therapy. Notice of the visit must be given at least one day in advance to accoglienza.musei@scv.va.
Vatican Museums regulations: photographs
With the exception of the Sistine Chapel, it is permitted to photograph the works and environments of the Vatican Museums for personal purposes, while the use of flash is prohibited. It is not permitted to use tripods, drones or professional equipment without authorisation. In the Sistine Chapel it is forbidden to take photos and film videos; the staff is authorised to request the immediate deletion of non-compliant material.
Vatican Museum Regulations: maximum silence in the Sistine Chapel
Out of respect for the sacredness of the place, absolute silence is required during the visit to the Sistine Chapel. Groups with a guide will receive historical and artistic information before entering. Touchscreen totems are available to illustrate the Chapel and other museum areas. Descriptive panels are available along the exhibition route for visitors and tour guides.
Vatican Museums Regulations: drawing the works
Special authorisation from the Museum Management is required for the reproduction or drawing of the exhibited works. Students enrolled in Artistic Anatomy courses may draw the works included in their academic programme.
Vatican Museums Regulations: waste
It is not permitted to leave waste in the Museums, except in the special containers placed only in the outdoor areas (main entrance, courtyards, refreshment areas, toilets).
Vatican Museums Regulations: metal detectors
In order to facilitate security checks, it is advisable to separate unacceptable items from hand luggage and report them to the staff.
Vatican Museums regulations: umbrellas, sticks, cameras
Medium and large umbrellas, walking sticks (except for walking aids), camera stands and video cameras are required in the cloakroom. Recognition poles of authorised tour guides are permitted. The cloakroom service is free of charge.
Vatican Museums regulations: food and drink
No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the museums. The consumption of food and drink within the exhibition halls is prohibited, but visitors may deliver food to the cloakroom free of charge. Vending machines and refreshment points are available along the route.
Vatican Museums Regulations: families with children
The Museums welcome families with children and pushchairs. Staff will show the easiest route and indicate dedicated lifts. Areas equipped with changing tables and a nursing room for breastfeeding are available. Some dining areas are equipped with high chairs. To view points of interest, please consult the official map.
Regulations Vatican Museums: artistic heritage
It is forbidden to touch the works of art, except for the blind public of the Tactile and Multisensory Tours. The museum premises are equipped with an alarm and video surveillance system to guarantee security.
Vatican Museums regulations: mobile phones
The Vatican Museums advise against the use of mobile phones in the exhibition spaces. Visitors must keep the ringer on silent mode. The use of mobile phones is forbidden in the Sistine Chapel.
Vatican Museums regulations: air conditioning
Due to architectural constraints, air conditioning is limited in some areas during the summer season.
Vatican Museums regulations: smoking
The Vatican Museums are a 'no smoking' zone and smoking is prohibited throughout the museum, including electronic cigarettes and similar devices.
Vatican Museums mon amour!
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