Changes in the Vatican. Tourists will not be pleased
5:59 PM EDT, October 21, 2023
The Vatican Museums' administration announced that ticket prices will change starting next year. The option to enter the museums for free will still exist, but only once a month.
The Vatican Museums are visited by an average of about six million travelers from around the world each year. Without a doubt, this is one of the biggest attractions of the Vatican, and even a must-visit spot for people who come to tour Italy.
Ticket prices will go up
From January 1, 2024, the entrance tickets to the Vatican Museums will become more expensive. The price of a full ticket will rise from 17 euros (about $20) to 20 euros (about $23). The concession ticket prices will not change and will still cost 8 euros (around $9). The museum management explains the increase by the rising costs that have to be incurred to maintain the institution.
In a statement issued on October 19, it was emphasized that the new pricing will ensure effective management of this facility, adapted to current requirements, as well as care for its artistic, historical and cultural heritage. It was also noted that the goal is to provide the highest level of services, in line with the expectations of visitors from around the world.
The Vatican Museums are open from Monday to Saturday from 3:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time, with the last admission being possible until 10:00 AM. Additionally, on the last Sunday of every month (unless it coincides with Easter Sunday, the feast of St. Peter and Paul, Christmas, and the feast of St. Stephen) admission from 3:00 AM to 8:00 AM Eastern Time is free.
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a group of museums that gather collections of individual popes. The first collections were gathered by Sixtus IV and Julius II. They were opened to the public in 1787. Since then, they have been some of the most visited museums in the world. Today they consist of 30 branches and form an impressive architectural complex that occupies two palaces.
The Chiaramonti Gallery is the oldest part of the Vatican Museums established in 1807. There are over a thousand ancient statues, urns, sarcophagi and busts, or sculptures depicting figures up to the shoulders, on display there. The Sistine Chapel with frescoes by Michelangelo, however, is considered the most popular part of the museums.
