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Gallery of Tapestries

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Gallery of Tapestries is a compelling long corridor within the Vatican Museums, housing a prestigious collection of textile art spanning several centuries. Established in 1838, the gallery features two primary series: the 16th-century 'New School' (Scuola Nuova) tapestries and the 17th-century Barberini series. The Scuola Nuova works were woven in Brussels by Pieter van Aelst's workshop based on cartoons created by pupils of Raphael, depicting significant events from the life of Christ. A famous highlights is the 'Resurrection of Christ' tapestry, where the eyes of Christ appear to follow the viewer from any vantage point through a masterful use of perspective. The Barberini series focuses on the life and deeds of Pope Urban VIII. These tapestries are made from delicate materials including silk and silver-gilt threads, showcasing the height of weaving craftsmanship. To protect the fragile fibers and dyes from light damage, the gallery is kept in permanent low-light conditions, providing a somber and reverent environment for visitors exploring these monumental textile narratives.

Location: Vatican
Top sights: Raphael Rooms · Sistine Chapel · Belvedere Courtyard

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	8	10	14	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	73	77	69	56	57	34	26	26	70	82	114	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Gallery of Tapestries in the Vatican Museums displays Flemish tapestries with scenes from the life of Christ. It is accessible with a standard ticket and is an impressive indoor space.

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Typical hours

The Vatican Museums are usually open Monday to Saturday; exact hours vary seasonally. Current opening times are on the official website.

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Photography

Photography without flash is allowed in the gallery to protect the delicate textiles. Tripods are not permitted, use a steady hand.

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Time needed

Allow about 20-30 minutes for viewing the tapestries. The entire museum visit typically takes 3-5 hours, so take your time.

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Combine with

Combine this gallery with the nearby Gallery of Maps and Gallery of the Candelabra. These three galleries make an excellent route through the Vatican collections.

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Getting there

The gallery is inside the Vatican Museums, accessible via the main entrance. Follow the visitor flow through the museums to the Gallery of Tapestries.

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Insider tip

Notice the fine details of the scenes designed by Raphael. An audio guide helps understand the biblical stories behind the tapestries.

Geography

Coordinates

41.90360, 12.45360

Facts

The gallery was officially opened in 1838
Features 16th-century tapestries woven in Brussels
The 'New School' designs were made by Raphael's students
Includes the Barberini series from the mid-17th century
Notable for the perspective effect in the Resurrection tapestry
Maintained in low light to preserve the silk and gold threads

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Apartment of Pius V<1 km · NEExplore →

Palazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →

Medaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →

Flaminio3 km · NEExplore →

Porta Pia3 km · EExplore →

Gianicolense4 km · SExplore →

Colosseum4 km · SEExplore →

Val Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Sights in the town Gallery of Tapestries (10)

Raphael Rooms🏛 museum

Suite of reception rooms in the Apostolic Palace, painted by Raphael and his workshop between 1509 and 1524.

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Sistine Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, famous for Michelangelo's frescoes.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-18:00♿

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, now part of the Vatican Museums complex.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, named after Pope Pius IV.

Galleria delle Carte Geografiche🏛 museum

Map-filled art museum in the Vatican.

Pauline Chapel

Chapel in the Apostolic Palace, Vatican City, featuring frescoes by Michelangelo.

Galleria degli Arazzi🏛 museum

Gallery in the Vatican Museums, known for its collection of tapestries.

Dome of Saint Peter

Dome of St. Peter's Basilica in Vatican City, offering panoramic views of Rome.

Saint Peter's Basilica

Church in Vatican City, one of the largest churches in the world.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, once used as an observatory and weather station.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where do the tapestries come from?

The most famous ones were woven in Brussels in the 16th century.

What do the depictions show?

Scenes from the life of Christ and the life of Pope Urban VIII.

Who designed the cartoons for the oldest tapestries?

Students of Raphael designed the templates for the 'New School'.

Are there optical illusions there?

Yes, in some tapestries, the eyes of the figures seem to follow the viewer.

Is photography allowed?

Photography without flash is allowed to protect the sensitive fabrics.

Gallery of Tapestries: where is it located?

Gallery of Tapestries is located in Vatican.

Gallery of Tapestries: what is there to see?

Highlights include Raphael Rooms, Sistine Chapel, Belvedere Courtyard.

Gallery of Tapestries: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

Gallery of Tapestries: why is it worth visiting?

The Gallery of Tapestries is a compelling long corridor within the Vatican Museums, housing a prestigious collection of textile art spanning several centuries.

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