Both the Vatican Museums and the Metropolitan Museum of Art are world-renowned institutions offering rich cultural experiences. The choice between them depends on individual preferences. The Met offers a larger and more diverse collection, more dining options, and flexible ticket pricing. The Vatican Museums provide a unique historical and religious context, with a focus on Renaissance and classical art. Both museums are prone to crowds, so planning is essential.
| Attribute | The Vatican Museums | The Metropolitan Museum of Art |
|---|---|---|
| Collection Size and Scope | Approximately 70,000 works, with around 20,000 on display. Includes Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, Roman, medieval, and Renaissance art. | Over 1.5 million works of art spanning 5,000 years of culture, divided into 17 curatorial departments. |
| Historical Significance | Founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II. Origin traced to the purchase and display of 'Laoco and His Sons' in 1506. Expanded over centuries by popes. | Founded in 1870 to inspire and educate the public and promote art appreciation. Includes art from ancient Egypt and the Near East, classical antiquity, European Old Masters, and American, modern, and contemporary art. |
| Visitor Traffic and Crowds | Attracts millions of visitors annually. In 2024, visited by 6.8 million people. Can get very crowded, especially during peak season, with over 25,000 visitors a day. | The most-visited museum in the United States and the fifth-most visited art museum in the world, with 5.36 million visitors in 2023. Can get very crowded, especially during peak hours. Arriving before noon is suggested. |
| Ticket Price and Value | Full entry ticket: 20.00 (without online booking). Full entry ticket 'Skip the Line': 20.00 + 5.00 (with booking on the official Vatican Museums website). Reduced entry ticket: 8.00 (without online booking). Fast-track tickets start from 30.50. | General admission is $30 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $17 for students. Admission is free for members, patrons, and children 12 and under. New York State residents, as well as students from NY, NJ, and CT, can pay what they wish but must pay something. All tickets include exhibitions and same-day entry to both Met locations. Many reviewers feel that the Met is worth the price of admission, considering the vastness and quality of its collection. |
| Accessibility for Disabled Visitors | Free entry to disabled visitors with certified invalidity of at least 67%. Free entry for a companion if the visitor is not self-sufficient. Priority skip-the-line entry. Free wheelchair rentals. Most areas accessible with ramps, elevators, and wheelchair lifts. | Wheelchair accessible, with accessible entrances at Fifth Avenue and 81st Street and through the parking garage at Fifth Avenue and 80th Street. Wheelchairs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Offers programs and resources tailored to visitors with disabilities, including those who are blind or partially sighted, deaf or hard of hearing, or have developmental and learning disabilities. |
| Guided Tour Availability and Quality | Guided tours are available. Standard guided tours are not open to visitors in wheelchairs, except for the 'Vatican Gardens without barriers' tour. | Offers free tours. Filming of guided tours is at the discretion of the individual guide. |
| Educational Programs Offered | Offers education and training programs for young specialists in restoration techniques and students in artistic, archaeological, and humanistic disciplines. Didactic activities compatible with school syllabi are available. | Offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, including workshops, classes, and storytime sessions. There are programs designed for K-12 educators. |
| Special Exhibitions and Events | New exhibitions are rolled out. In 2006, celebrated 500th anniversary by opening the excavations of a Vatican Hill necropolis. | Hosts a variety of special exhibitions and events throughout the year, showcasing art from different cultures, time periods, and artistic movements. Special exhibitions and events are held throughout the year. |
| On-site Dining Options and Quality | Toilets and dining options are available. | Offers multiple dining options, including the American Wing Cafe, The Eatery, Petrie Court Cafe, Balcony Lounge, and The Met Dining Room. The menus vary, with options ranging from sandwiches and salads to more upscale meals. The Met has multiple dining options, ranging from casual cafes to more formal restaurants, with a variety of cuisines. |
| Gift Shop Merchandise Variety and Pricing | Not available | The Met has gift shops. |
| Photography Policies | Photography permitted in most areas for personal use, but flash is forbidden. Tripods, stands, drones, and 'selfie sticks' are prohibited. Photography and filming banned in the Sistine Chapel. | Non-flash photography and video recording are allowed for private, non-commercial use unless otherwise noted. Selfie sticks, tripods, and professional video equipment are not allowed without prior approval. Non-flash photography is allowed for personal use. Restrictions apply to the use of selfie sticks, tripods, and commercial photography. |
| Proximity to Public Transportation | Easily accessible by public transportation. Closest metro stops are Ottaviano-Musei Vaticani and Cipro on Line A. Bus lines 49, 32, 81, and 982 stop nearby. | Accessible by bus and subway. The closest subway stations are the 77th Street and 86th Street stations on the Lexington Avenue Line (4, 5, 6 trains). Several bus lines also stop near the museum. Accessible by bus and subway. Several subway and bus lines have stops near the museum. |