DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Gregorian Profane Museum

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
museum
—°10
Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)

Weather…

The Gregorian Profane Museum was established in 1844 by Pope Gregory XVI to house ancient artworks of non-Christian origin discovered during excavations within the Papal States. Originally located in the Lateran Palace, the collection was moved in 1970 to a purpose-built modern facility within the Vatican Museums, designed by the Passarelli architectural firm. The museum's layout follows a chronological path, showcasing Greek and Roman sculptural masterpieces ranging from the 5th century BC to the 4th century AD. Notable highlights include findings from the theater of Caere and high-quality Roman copies of lost Greek originals, such as Myron's Athena and Marsyas group. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the development of classical art and its role in Roman cultural history. Its modern, light-filled architectural design enhances the visibility of the intricate textures and details of the marble exhibits.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Gregorian Profane Museum is part of the Vatican Museums and accessible with a museum ticket. It displays ancient Roman sculptures and monuments with non-religious themes.
🕒
Typical hours
Opening hours are the same as the Vatican Museums: typically Mon-Sat 9 AM-6 PM. Last entry at 4:00 PM - check current times on the website.
📷
Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in the museum. Avoid flash to prevent damage to the delicate marble sculptures.
⏱️
Time needed
Allow about 20-30 minutes for a visit to see the highlights of the collection. The Roman portrait busts are particularly noteworthy.
➕
Combine with
Combine the museum with the adjacent Gregorian Etruscan Museum for a comprehensive insight into ancient art. The Sistine Chapel is also along the way.
🧭
Getting there
Access is through the main entrance of the Vatican Museums. The museum is on the upper floor - follow signs to the Profane Museums.
💡
Insider tip
Visit this quieter museum in the afternoon when large crowds subside. The statue of the 'Good Shepherd' is an under-the-radar destination.

Geography

Coordinates
41.90600, 12.45450

Facts

  • Founded by Pope Gregory XVI on May 14, 1844.
  • Relocated to the Vatican in 1970 under Pope Paul VI.
  • Houses original fragments from the Parthenon in Athens.
  • Features the famous funerary stele of the 'Vicmagistri'.
  • The collection includes imperial-era sarcophagi and portraits.
  • The modern building uses innovative steel and glass design.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vatican PinacotecaVatican Pinacoteca<1 km · SExplore →
Medaglie d'OroMedaglie d'Oro2 km · NWExplore →
Palazzo SpadaPalazzo Spada2 km · SEExplore →
FlaminioFlaminio3 km · NEExplore →
Porta PiaPorta Pia3 km · EExplore →
FarnesinaFarnesina3 km · NExplore →
ColosseumColosseum4 km · SEExplore →
Val CannutaVal Cannuta4 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Gregorian Profane Museum (10)

Galleria dei Candelabri🏛 museum

Gallery in the Vatican Museums, known for its large marble candelabra.

💶

Museo Gregoriano Egizio🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, displaying Egyptian antiquities and artifacts.

💶

Museo Chiaramonti🏛 museum

Branch of the Vatican Museums, housing ancient sculptures and Roman portraits.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double-helix staircase in Vatican City, designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932, connects two floors.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint on Vatican Hill offering a panorama of Rome and the dome.

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, built in the 16th century, topped with a weather vane.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Necropolis in Vatican City, ancient tombs along the Via Triumphalis road.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard designed by Bramante, linking palaces and museums.

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City dedicated to Saint Peregrine, a quiet place of worship.

Pius IV House

Seat of the Pontifical Academy of Sciences, a Renaissance building in Vatican City.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the Museo Gregoriano Profano display?
It houses ancient non-religious sculptures and mosaics from Rome.
When was this museum founded?
Founded in 1844 by Pope Gregory XVI in the Lateran Palace.
What famous mosaic can be seen here?
The mosaic of the athletes from the Baths of Caracalla.
Is it part of the Vatican Museums?
Yes, it was moved to the Vatican in 1970 and is part of the complex.
Is there Egyptian art here?
No, for that there is the separate Museo Gregoriano Egizio.
Gregorian Profane Museum: where is it located?
Gregorian Profane Museum is located in Vatican.
Gregorian Profane Museum: what is there to see?
Highlights include Galleria dei Candelabri, Museo Gregoriano Egizio, Museo Chiaramonti.
Gregorian Profane Museum: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Gregorian Profane Museum: why is it worth visiting?
The Gregorian Profane Museum was established in 1844 by Pope Gregory XVI to house ancient artworks of non-Christian origin discovered during excavations within the Papal States.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Europe
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Europe
More places in Vatican →

History & landmarks

Fountain of the Galley — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Typography Street — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Typography Street
The central street of the Vatican's publishing district, home to the printing presses and editorial offices of official media.
Bunker Access — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Oven Square — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Oven Square
A small square in the heart of the Vatican's service district, named after the historical bakery that served the city.
Vatican Fire Station — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Vatican Fire Station
The headquarters of the Vatican Fire Brigade, responsible for fire protection and safety services throughout the entire enclave.
Postal Service Square — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Postal Service Square
A busy square near the Vatican Post Office headquarters, serving as a vital hub for postal and parcel traffic.
Saint Anne&#39;s Gate — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Saint Anne's Gate
One of the primary entrances to Vatican City, used mainly by employees and residents for daily access to the state.
Gendarmerie Barracks — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.

More places

Palace of Innocent VIII — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Palace of Innocent VIII
This palace forms the core of the Belvedere complex in the Vatican.
Vatican Pinacoteca — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Vatican Pinacoteca
A section of the Vatican Museums specialized in paintings.
Chiaramonti Museum — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Chiaramonti Museum
Founded by Pope Pius VII, this museum displays hundreds of Roman busts and statues in an impressive gallery designed by Canova.
Gregorian Etruscan Museum — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
The museum is dedicated to Etruscan art and culture.
Missionary-Ethnological Museum — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Missionary-Ethnological Museum
Known today as Anima Mundi, this museum displays religious artworks from around the world, often collected by missionaries.
Gallery of Maps — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Pio-Clementine Museum — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Pio-Clementine Museum
The largest of the Vatican Museums, housing significant Greek and Roman sculptures, including the famous Laocoön group.
Palace of Paul V — Gregorian Profane Museum (Vatican)
Palace of Paul V
This palace wing extends the Apostolic complex to the north.