The Vatican Museums (Musei Vaticani) are among the most famous and prestigious museum complexes in the world, attracting millions of visitors annually. Located in Vatican City, these museums house one of the richest art collections in history, showcasing masterpieces from ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome, as well as Renaissance and Baroque treasures.

This article provides a detailed historical overview of the Vatican Museums, exploring their origins, significance, and a complete list of their main sections.

Origins and History of the Vatican Museums

The history of the Vatican Museums dates back to the 16th century, when Pope Julius II (1503–1513) started collecting classical sculptures for the Cortile del Belvedere. Over the centuries, various popes expanded these collections, leading to the creation of a vast museum network.

Key milestones in the development of the Vatican Museums:

  • 1506 – The Laocoön and His Sons sculpture is discovered and acquired by Pope Julius II, marking the beginning of the collection.

  • 1580s – Pope Gregory XIII expands the Gregorian Egyptian and Etruscan Museums.

  • 18th–19th centuries – Pope Clement XIV and Pope Pius VI establish the Pio-Clementine Museum.

  • 20th century – Pope Pius XI formally organizes the museums into a unified institution (1929).

  • Today – The Vatican Museums house over 70,000 artworks, displayed in 54 galleries, covering 15 km (9 miles) of corridors.

Complete List of Museums in Vatican City

1. The Pinacoteca Vaticana (Vatican Picture Gallery)

Established by Pope Pius XI in 1932, the Pinacoteca Vaticana contains an extraordinary collection of paintings from the Middle Ages to the 19th century, featuring works by some of the most famous artists in history.

Notable Works:

  • The Transfiguration – Raphael (his last painting).

  • The Entombment of Christ – Caravaggio.

  • St. Jerome in the Wilderness – Leonardo da Vinci.

  • Madonna of Foligno – Raphael.

  • The Last Communion of St. Jerome – Domenichino.

2. The Gregorian Egyptian Museum

Founded by Pope Gregory XVI in 1839, this museum features artifacts from ancient Egypt, including sarcophagi, mummies, papyrus manuscripts, and statues of pharaohs.

Highlights:

  • Sarcophagus of Amenirdis (8th century BC).

  • Statues of Egyptian gods, including Anubis and Osiris.

  • Mummy of a child from the Roman period.

3. The Gregorian Etruscan Museum

Also founded by Pope Gregory XVI, this museum preserves artifacts from Etruscan civilization, which thrived in Italy before the rise of Rome.

Highlights:

  • Gold jewelry from Etruscan tombs.

  • The Regolini-Galassi Tomb treasures.

  • Terracotta funerary urns and bronzes.

4. The Pio-Clementine Museum

Founded by Popes Clement XIV and Pius VI in the 18th century, this museum is famous for its collection of Greek and Roman sculptures.

Highlights:

  • Laocoön and His Sons (1st century AD) – One of the most important sculptures from antiquity.

  • Apollo Belvedere – A masterpiece of Greek sculpture.

  • Belvedere Torso – An influential fragment of ancient sculpture.

5. The Chiaramonti Museum

Founded by Pope Pius VII (Chiaramonti) in 1807, this museum houses over 1,000 Roman sculptures, including busts of emperors, gods, and mythological figures.

6. The New Wing (Braccio Nuovo)

A 19th-century extension of the Chiaramonti Museum, featuring more Roman statues.

Highlights:

  • Augustus of Prima Porta – A famous statue of the first Roman emperor.

  • Roman copies of Greek originals, including statues of gods and athletes.

7. The Gallery of the Candelabra

Built in the 18th century, this gallery is known for its marble columns, mosaics, and sculptures.

8. The Gallery of Tapestries

A collection of intricately woven tapestries, including those designed by Raphael’s workshop in the 16th century.

9. The Gallery of Maps

Commissioned by Pope Gregory XIII (1572-1585), this hall features 40 large-scale maps of Italy, painted on the walls.

10. The Raphael Rooms (Stanze di Raffaello)

Originally designed as Pope Julius II’s private apartments, these rooms contain some of Raphael’s greatest frescoes.

Highlights:

  • The School of Athens – Raphael’s most famous work, depicting great philosophers.

  • The Fire in the Borgo – A dramatic scene from Vatican history.

11. The Borgia Apartments

Commissioned by Pope Alexander VI (Rodrigo Borgia), these rooms feature Renaissance frescoes by Pinturicchio.

12. The Sistine Chapel

The most famous site in the Vatican Museums, built in the 15th century and decorated by Michelangelo.

Highlights:

  • The Creation of Adam – One of the most iconic images in art history.

  • The Last Judgment – Michelangelo’s powerful fresco on the altar wall.

13. The Vatican Historical Museum

A museum dedicated to papal history, featuring papal carriages, ceremonial items, and portraits of popes.

14. The Ethnological Museum

Founded by Pope Pius XI, this museum displays artifacts from non-European cultures, including African, Asian, and Native American art.

A Treasure Trove of Art and History

The Vatican Museums represent one of the most important collections of art and history in the world. With millions of visitors each year, they provide an unparalleled opportunity to explore Renaissance masterpieces, ancient civilizations, and religious heritage.

Visiting Tips:

  • Opening Hours: Usually open Monday to Saturday; closed on Sundays (except the last Sunday of the month).

  • Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds.

  • Tickets: Can be purchased online to skip long lines.

For anyone interested in art, history, and culture, the Vatican Museums are a must-visit destination, offering one of the richest cultural experiences in the world.

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