Can you take photos in the Sistine Chapel? What happens if you do

Photography rules

What happens if you take a picture in the Sistine Chapel?

Guards can ask you to delete photos or videos in front of them. The ban covers every device. A photo without flash still breaks the chapel rule.

Your phone must stay put away throughout the chapel visit. Put it away before you enter. You must also keep silent, whether you visit alone or with a group.

What to do: If you want a closer look afterwards, use the official virtual tour on the Museums website. For your own photographs, use the other Museums galleries without flash.

Rules

Sistine Chapel rules on phones and silence

Guides explain the paintings before you enter the chapel. This applies even when your group has headsets. Inside, everyone must keep silent while looking at the paintings.

Your shoulders must be covered. Shorts above the knee and miniskirts are banned, as are low necklines and hats. Staff can refuse entry for unsuitable clothing, and Museums tickets cannot be refunded.

The Museums open from 8:00 to 20:00, Monday to Saturday. Last entry is 18:00. You must leave the halls 30 minutes before closing, so allow time to reach the chapel.

On 10 November all sectors open at 9:00. On 4 December and 18 December the Sistine Chapel closes at 18:00, with last entry at 17:30.

Elsewhere

Where can you take photos at the Vatican?

Personal photography is allowed in the other Museums galleries. Your €25 online ticket or €20 door ticket covers those rooms. The Gallery of Maps and Raphael Rooms are places where you can take pictures.

Flash is forbidden throughout the Museums. Tripods and selfie sticks are banned too. A video camera must go in the free cloakroom before you enter the exhibition spaces.

The Vatican Necropolis is a separate guided visit costing €20. Photos and video are forbidden there too. The visit lasts 1 hour and must be booked in advance.