Review: Vatican Museums

Zoom out. What’s this place all about?
Imagine a Medieval city transformed into a museum, with every citizen a staff member, and an academic hush pervading every building and corridor. That’s what it feels like to stroll through the Vatican Museums, their gardens and galleries, churches and corridors—preserved and protected since the early 16th-century.

Ye shall know them by their permanent collection: How was it?
It’s wall-to-wall Renaissance Art wall in the Vatican Museums—a saying that’s actually true when you consider that many of the masterpieces (including Michelangelo’s 'Last Judgement') are painted on church ceilings. Supposedly there are 20,000 pieces on display, most of them heavy on religious iconography, including clouds, sunbeams, and angels, all wreathed in lots and lots of gold. If that’s a bit much, there’s a fine collection of Greek and Roman statues all looking very imposing.

What did you make of the crowd?
The staff should hand out comfy sneakers at the door because most people sprint through this place. They’re here to tick it off their tourism checklist, though in the Sistine Chapel you’re actively moved on by ushers to prevent bottlenecks. Given that 6 million people come through here every year, you may not mind them moving quickly.

Any guided tours worth trying?
Tour guides will hassle you while you wait in line, and the service is hit and miss, depending on who you get and what kind of day they’ve had. At best, the Vatican authorized guides can skip the queues and get you through faster, pelting you with funny, interesting soundbites as you move. At worst, they can be abrasive and boring. Keep an ear on the people coming out—if they’ve had a good time, you probably will too.

Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged?
The Raphael Rooms, the Sistine Chapel, and the Octagonal Court are all famous for a reason, and so they’re always busy. Don’t miss them. If you can drag your friend to the Etruscan and Pinacoteca Museums, they’ll have had their museum hit for the next ten years.