Vatican Museums

About

The Vatican Museums are a collection of art and historical artifacts situated in Vatican City, Rome. Founded in 1506 by Pope Julius II, they began with the purchase of the sculpture Laocoön and His Sons. Over the centuries, the museums have grown to include over 70,000 works, with approximately 20,000 on display. The complex comprises several museums, including the Pio-Clementino Museum, which houses classical sculptures, and the Gregorian Egyptian Museum, featuring ancient Egyptian artifacts. The Sistine Chapel is a highlight, renowned for Michelangelo's frescoes on its ceiling and altar wall. Other notable areas include the Raphael Rooms and the Gallery of Maps. The museums attract millions of visitors annually, making them one of the world's most visited art institutions. They serve as a center for cultural and historical research, preserving a vast array of artistic and historical treasures from various periods.