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Vatican Pinacoteca

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Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)

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The Vatican Pinacoteca, or Picture Gallery, houses one of the most prestigious collections of European paintings in the world. It was inaugurated in its current purpose-built facility in 1932 by Pope Pius XI, designed by the architect Luca Beltrami. The gallery spans 18 rooms, displaying masterpieces in chronological order from the Middle Ages through to the 19th century. Notable highlights include Raphael's 'Transfiguration', Caravaggio's 'The Entombment of Christ', and Leonardo da Vinci's unfinished 'St. Jerome in the Desert'. In addition to Italian masters, the collection features significant Byzantine icons and works by various international artists. The building's layout was meticulously planned to ensure that lighting and spatial arrangements enhance the viewer's experience of these sacred works. As a core part of the Vatican Museums, the Pinacoteca provides an unparalleled survey of the evolution of Western art and Christian iconography.

Best time to visit & climate

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

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C781014182326262117128
Rain mm7377695657342626708211492

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Vatican Pinacoteca is a museum within the Vatican Museums complex, dedicated to paintings. It is accessible with a standard Vatican Museums ticket.
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Typical hours
As part of the Vatican Museums, the Pinacoteca typically opens daily from 9:00 to 18:00, except Sundays and religious holidays. The museum is closed on Sundays except the last Sunday of the month.
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Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the Pinacoteca without flash, but some temporary exhibitions may restrict it. Tripods and selfie sticks are usually not permitted.
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Time needed
Plan at least 1-2 hours to appreciate the masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and others. The collection is arranged chronologically, making it easy to follow.
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Combine with
Combine your visit with the Pio-Clementine Museum and the Sistine Chapel for a comprehensive Vatican art experience. They are all within walking distance inside the museums.
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Getting there
Enter the Vatican Museums through the main entrance on Viale Vaticano. The Pinacoteca is located on the same floor as the main galleries, clearly signposted.
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Insider tip
Book your tickets online in advance to skip the long queues. Start your visit on the top floor and work your way down to avoid crowds.

Geography

Population
829 (2026)
Coordinates
41.90550, 12.45450

Facts

  • The Pinacoteca was officially inaugurated on October 27, 1932.
  • It consists of 18 rooms arranged in chronological sequence.
  • The collection features approximately 460 paintings.
  • Raphael's 'Transfiguration' is considered the gallery's centerpiece.
  • The architect Luca Beltrami designed the current gallery building.
  • It contains Leonardo da Vinci's only painting in the Vatican collection.

Explore nearby

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Sights in the town Vatican Pinacoteca (10)

Tower of the Winds🗼 tower

Tower in Vatican City, housing an astronomical clock and wind instruments.

Galleria dei Candelabri🏛 museum

Museum in the Vatican, displaying ancient candelabra and sculptures.

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Galleria degli Arazzi🏛 museum

Museum in the Vatican, known for its collection of tapestries.

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Vatican Museums🏛 museum

Museums of Vatican City, encompassing numerous art collections and galleries.

Necropoli della Via Triumphalis

Necropolis in Vatican City, an ancient burial site along the Via Triumphalis.

Punto panoramico di viale della Galea

Viewpoint in the Vatican, offering views over the gardens and Rome.

Scala Elicoidale Giuseppe Momo

Double spiral staircase in the Vatican, designed by Giuseppe Momo in 1932.

Belvedere Courtyard

Former Vatican courtyard, connecting various museums and buildings.

Saint Peregrin's Church

Church in Vatican City, used for religious services and prayer.

Pius IV House

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

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What can you see in the Pinacoteca?
An impressive collection of paintings by Raphael, Leonardo da Vinci, and Caravaggio.
Is the Pinacoteca included in the museum ticket?
Yes, access to the Pinacoteca is part of the standard Vatican Museums ticket.
Where is the Pinacoteca located?
In a separate building on the left side after passing the entrance area.
What is the most famous work there?
Raphael's 'Transfiguration' is considered one of the most significant masterpieces in the collection.
When was the building constructed?
The current building was designed in 1932 by Luca Beltrami for Pope Pius XI.
Vatican Pinacoteca: where is it located?
Vatican Pinacoteca is located in Vatican.
Vatican Pinacoteca: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tower of the Winds, Galleria dei Candelabri, Galleria degli Arazzi.
Vatican Pinacoteca: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Vatican Pinacoteca: why is it worth visiting?
The Vatican Pinacoteca, or Picture Gallery, houses one of the most prestigious collections of European paintings in the world.
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History & landmarks

Fountain of the Galley — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Fountain of the Galley
A decorative fountain in the Vatican Gardens evocative of maritime themes.
Typography Street — Vatican Pinacoteca (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 — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Bunker Access
A secured access point to underground structures within the Vatican walls.
Oven Square — Vatican Pinacoteca (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 — Vatican Pinacoteca (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 — Vatican Pinacoteca (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 — Vatican Pinacoteca (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 — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Gendarmerie Barracks
The living quarters and operational center of the Gendarmerie Corps of Vatican City, responsible for public order.

More places

Gallery of Maps — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Gallery of Maps
A 120-meter long corridor painted with 16th-century topographical maps of Italy.
Chiaramonti Museum — Vatican Pinacoteca (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 — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Gregorian Etruscan Museum
The museum is dedicated to Etruscan art and culture.
Palace of Innocent VIII — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Palace of Innocent VIII
This palace forms the core of the Belvedere complex in the Vatican.
Missionary-Ethnological Museum — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Missionary-Ethnological Museum
Known today as Anima Mundi, this museum displays religious artworks from around the world, often collected by missionaries.
Pio-Clementine Museum — Vatican Pinacoteca (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 — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Palace of Paul V
This palace wing extends the Apostolic complex to the north.
Palace of Gregory XIII — Vatican Pinacoteca (Vatican)
Palace of Gregory XIII
This part of the Apostolic Palace surrounds the San Damaso Courtyard.