Surely two absolute icons of the world, stoked in history as well as significance. We look at the two offerings to hopefully answer, which one is best to visit and why. Let’s take a little look at some stats for both these icons:
*info correct as of May 2024
| Louvre Museum | Vatican Museums | |
| Year built | 1793 | 1506 |
| Must see | Mona Lisa painting | Sistine Chapel |
| Time needed to visit | 2 days to see fully! 1 day possible | 4 hours + |
| Admission price (to the tour) | 17 EUR | 15 EUR to see the main attractions |
Louvre Museum (Paris)
So let me give you a short intro to the history of the Louvre. From a mediaeval fortress to an Art Museum, the Louvre Palace has undergone 8 centuries of architectural changes.
From being built to protect the city, to being a residence for Kings and Queens down the years and having their own requirements, which included examples of the French Renaissance style.
To enter the 20th century. The Louvre continued to change, acquiring its iconic glass pyramid marking the entrance to the museum.
The museum holds collections of paintings from the 15th – 19th century from mainly French artists but also from around Europe and the world.
Vatican Museums (Vatican City)
The Vatican Museums, nestled within the confines of Vatican City, boast a rich tapestry of history and culture that spans centuries. Originating in the Renaissance era under the patronage of Pope Julius II, these institutions evolved from private papal collections into a renowned treasure trove of art and artifacts.
Over time, the Vatican Museums underwent extensive development and organisation, culminating in their modern form. Pope Clement XIV played a pivotal role in establishing the Pio-Clementino Museum, marking a significant step toward the museum’s structured arrangement. This era also witnessed the opening of the Vatican Museums to the public, which is something we can all benefit from today.
The Vatican Museums boast a mesmerising array of artistic and cultural treasures accumulated over centuries by the Catholic Church and successive popes. From the iconic frescoes of the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo, depicting scenes from the Book of Genesis, to the exquisite paintings of Raphael adorning the Raphael Rooms, the museums offer a journey through the pinnacle of Renaissance art.
There are classical sculptures such as the Apollo Belvedere and the Laocoön Group, explore the rich tapestry of ancient Egyptian artifacts, and admire masterpieces by renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, Caravaggio, and Titian in the Pinacoteca.
The highlights and best bits – Louvre Museum
The Louvre Museum is an absolute dream of a place for people that enjoy looking at and taking in art. It boasts an unparalleled collection that spans millennia and continents. Among its many highlights are iconic works such as Leonardo da Vinci’s enigmatic “Mona Lisa,” which draws millions of visitors each year with its enigmatic smile.
The museum’s vast Egyptian antiquities collection includes the majestic “Seated Scribe” and the imposing “Great Sphinx of Tanis,” offering insight into the ancient civilization’s art and culture.
Additionally, the Louvre’s Greek, Etruscan, and Roman antiquities feature masterpieces like the “Venus de Milo” and the “Winged Victory of Samothrace,” capturing the essence of classical artistry.
For admirers of Renaissance and Baroque art, the Louvre offers an unparalleled experience with works like “The Raft of the Medusa” by Théodore Géricault and “Liberty Leading the People” by Eugène Delacroix. With over 35,000 works of art spanning diverse cultures and epochs, the Louvre Museum promises an awe-inspiring journey through the annals of human creativity and achievement.
The highlights and best bits – Vatican museums
The Vatican Museums encompass an extraordinary collection of art, artifacts, and cultural treasures, making it one of the world’s most remarkable cultural institutions. Among the highlights is the awe-inspiring Sistine Chapel, adorned with Michelangelo’s iconic frescoes depicting scenes from Genesis, including the famed “Creation of Adam.” The Raphael Rooms showcase the genius of Raphael and his workshop, with masterpieces such as “The School of Athens” captivating visitors with its intellectual depth and artistic brilliance.
The Vatican’s sculpture collection includes timeless classics like the “Laocoön Group” and the “Apollo Belvedere,” exemplifying the mastery of ancient sculptors. Additionally, the museums house the magnificent Gallery of Maps, featuring stunning topographical depictions of Italy, and the Egyptian Museum, which offers a fascinating journey through ancient Egyptian civilization. With its diverse array of artworks spanning centuries and civilizations, the Vatican Museums offer an unparalleled glimpse into the richness of human creativity and heritage.
The not so good bits – Louvre Museum
Now this will sound really silly, but because of the sheer amount of art to see around the huge museum. So as above you really need 2 days to see it fully and 1 day is really the minimum. As you can imagine with a place this popular there are going to be crowds. You may have to queue for some time to see the Mona Lisa and also have very limited time to take it in fully.
You may also find limited information or sign posts telling you about the significance of certain artworks or where they actually are in the Museum.
The not so good bits – Vatican Museums
There are certain aspects that you will find challenging. One notable downside is the large crowds that flock to the museums, especially during peak tourist seasons, leading to long queues and difficulty manoeuvring through the galleries.
The sheer size of the museums can also be overwhelming, with extensive collections spread across multiple buildings and corridors, making it hard for you to see everything in one visit.
Additionally, the museums’ layout and signage may not always be intuitive, leading to confusion for some visitors trying to navigate the vast complex. Lastly, while the Vatican Museums strive to accommodate accessibility needs, some areas may be difficult to access for individuals with mobility issues due to stairs and uneven walkways.
Which is the best, Louvre Museum or Vatican Museums?
So this one was tricky for different reasons to which one is better, but I am going to give it to Vatican City just for the fact it has the holy part of the history which I think is so powerful. Also the Sistine Chapel is just something that has to be seen.Then finally, the fact you are in Vatican City which is seen as a country all of its own. Even though it has a population of less than 1,000 and a surface size of around 120 acres.