Hours and openings
The Sistine Chapel is open every day of the year from Monday to Saturday and every last Sunday of the month.
Opening days and hours
From Monday to Saturday
9.00 am - 6.00 pm (the exit from the museum and exhibition areas starts at 4.00 pm).
Friday the opening is extended until h. 10.30pm and Saturday until h. 8.00pm.
Last Sunday of the month
9 am - 2.00 pm (last entrance 12.30 pm).
Closing days in 2023
The Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museums are not open on 1 and 6 January, 11 February, 10 April, 1 May, 29 June, 15 and 16 August, 1 November and 8, 25, 26, 31 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.