After Hours at the Vatican Museums | Exclusive Semi-Private Tour

Important Notice: Sistine Chapel Renovations
From January 12, 2026 through March 31, 2026, the Vatican Museums will be carrying out special conservation work on Michelangelo’s Last Judgment inside the Sistine Chapel. During this time, a scaffolding structure will cover the entire Last Judgment wall. The Sistine Chapel will remain open and fully accessible, but this specific artwork will not be visible during the restoration period. Thank you for your understanding as this masterpiece receives important care.

Experience a semi-private, expert-led after-hours tour of the Vatican Museums, providing an opportunity to explore the renowned galleries outside of public visiting hours. Stroll through the historic halls and exquisite frescoed galleries of the Vatican.

This exclusive visit offers the chance to view some of the world’s most celebrated sacred artworks in a peaceful and reflective setting. Encounter masterpieces such as the Apollo Belvedere, the Raphael Rooms, and the Sistine Chapel, and gain an appreciation for Michelangelo’s remarkable contributions to art and architecture.

 

• Experience exclusive access to the Vatican Museums after hours
• Enjoy an expert tour of the Vatican Museums
• Enjoy the vividly stunning Raphael Rooms in a peaceful setting
• Experience the interior of the Sistine Chapel with Michelangelo's frescoes

As evening falls over Rome and visitors depart, you will have the opportunity to participate in an exclusive after-hours guided tour. Led by an expert guide, you will gain access to the Vatican Museums shortly after they close to the general public, providing an intimate and tranquil environment for viewing this renowned collection of artworks.

During this experience, you will observe some of the world’s most important sacred art pieces in a serene setting. With the galleries notably emptier, you will have the rare chance to stand within the Sistine Chapel without the usual crowds, allowing for a more contemplative appreciation of Michelangelo’s masterpieces.

This special tour has been thoughtfully arranged for you and your companions, offering exclusive after-hours access to explore the Vatican Museums in a peaceful atmosphere. You will have the opportunity to explore historic galleries, ornate halls, and magnificent chambers, gaining an intimate perspective on art and history. Highlights include Renaissance works by Raphael and Michelangelo, the legacy of Pope Julius II, and notable antiquities from various ancient civilizations.

The Vatican Museums, also known as the Apostolic Palaces, were historically the private residence of the papal family, serving as both a residence and a cultural center reflecting the historical power and influence of the papacy. Initially conceived as a collection of art and a luxurious residence, these spaces embody the rich history of the Vatican.

Your visit will include viewing remarkable works such as Emperor Nero’s marble bathtub and the enigmatic Diana of Ephesus in the Gallery of the Candelabra. You will also see the Gallery of Tapestries, created by Flemish artists based on Raphael’s designs, and the Gallery of Maps, featuring detailed frescoes of Italy from the 16th century.

Throughout history, successive popes have contributed to the Vatican’s extensive art holdings. Notably, Pope Julius II commissioned significant works from Raphael and Michelangelo, including Raphael’s decorating of the papal apartments and Michelangelo’s ceiling of the Sistine Chapel between 1508 and 1512, amidst periods of rivalry and collaboration.

Finally, you will enter the Sistine Chapel, an architectural and artistic marvel. In the absence of crowds, you will have the opportunity to appreciate Michelangelo’s spectacular frescoes, depicting scenes from the Creation to the Last Judgment, in a reflective and respectful environment. These artworks are celebrated for their artistic excellence and spiritual significance.

This after-hours tour offers a unique opportunity to engage with the Vatican’s treasures in a quiet setting, away from the typical crowds, providing a memorable experience of art, history, and faith.

• After hours VIP access to the Vatican Museums
• Unique once in a lifetime experience
• See the Sistine Chapel & Raphael Rooms after hours
• Semi-private tour with an expert guide
• Galleries of the Candelabra, Tapestries & Maps

• Places of worship have strict dress code requirements for entry. All participants are required to have shoulders and knees covered (no tank tops or short dresses) to enter
• There is no photography allowed inside the Sistine Chapel.
  
• Backpacks are not permitted in the Museum.
• Everyone in your group, regardless of age, needs a government issued ID to enter the Vatican Museums.
• IMPORTANT: Please advise our team if you believe that a disability qualifies you for complimentary access to the Vatican.

Leave a review

By selecting Choose Dates Later / Buy as Gift at booking, any tour can be purchased without fixed dates. This is the perfect option if you want to purchase your tour as a gift for a loved one, or if you are in the pre-planning phase of your vacation. After booking, you will receive a Travel Voucher Code and full instructions on how to schedule your tours when ready. Once your travel plans are confirmed, you can easily use the Travel Voucher Code on the LivTours website to formally schedule your tours. You can find out more here.