Discovering the Vatican Museums

Learn the history of the Sistine Chapel and Michaelangelo's two famous jobs within it: one done in his prime and the other in his old age.

Summoned from Urbino by Pope Julius II, Raphael and his team create frescoed masterpieces in the papal apartments.

The Vatican's collection of classical sculpture began when a famous ancient statue was found buried in a Roman vineyard.

Pope Gregory XVI expands the museum to include Egyptian and Etruscan art and takes steps to preserve Italy's artistic heritage.

A work of art on its own, the intent of the Museums' architecture has always been to perfectly present the masterpieces it housed.