Vatican Museums for Teens? Or maximize St. Peter's Basilica?

Booking an early tour is an excellent decision. At this time of day, the Sistine Chapel is not overcrowded. And if it is well explained to the kids, they will love it. From your description, it sounds like the tour would use direct access to St. Peter's Basilica. That's a good way to save time and avoid the queues in St. Peter's Square.

Do your daughters like museums?

Simple reminder what you like may not be of any interest to your daughters. Ask them about their expectations on this trip.

I’d spend more time in the Basilica. Explaining that the art consists of incredible mosaics, sculptures and paintings.

Even as a lapsed Catholic I took Communion in St Peters then hit the gift shop to buy rosaries blessed by the Pontiff for gifts. Bill’s mother was so appreciative to receive a rosary that she’d tell me over and over again the prayers she said for both Bill and I daily. He’s gone, Nora’s gone but I always smile thinking how she prayed for us on that rosary.

Claudia,

I am glad the rosary you brought Nora was meaningful to her. Sound like it was the perfect gift.

In response to you question, I don't see my daughters/wife as having long patience for museums. I just wasn't sure if perhaps the Vatican Museums were in some way more captivating than most or perhaps the storytelling from our guide would make it rich enough to keep them engaged.

Kevin

I think the Sistine Chapel is one of those iconic things the kids have probably learned about in school, so they may relate to it in that way.

Also, unfortunately, some of your 2 hours will likely be spent just navigating through the museum itself. We spent some time up front looking at the diorama of Vatican City and our guide teaching us about the history and politics. So it will all go faster than you think, I’m guessing.

FWIW, we had a really long day (Colosseum morning, then Vatican afternoon, then St. Peter’s) and my teen still says St. Peter’s was a highlight for him.

If you have an actual tour guide, it will make it more palatable for them. We took our daughter there when she had just finished 6th grade and she talked about how much she liked the guide. You could also bribe them with gelato. I think they should see it and your wife needs to act enthusiastic about it. Personally, I find the Museums more interesting than the basilica. You might want to check out some library books about art and let the girls pick out things they want to see-like the Apollo Belvedere, the Raphael tapestries, the School of Athens that include portraits of some of the painters. They will enjoy it more if they know what they're looking at and why it was important. And spending time in the Museums should be seen by them as the price they pay for a trip to Italy. And I bet your wife will expect you to be patient with their shopping trips. You can consider this in the category of "they'll thank me later"

I did that exact schedule with my kids when they were 9, 12, and 14. They did not get bored, or at least, they didnt complain at all. It moves so fast and there is SO many amazing things to see. It felt really fast, and that was early, so after that we walked to the Spanish steps and Trevi fountain and on. Id say it depends on your kids. Mine were not museum buffs (too young, although the 14cyo probably appreciated it more), but the Vatican is just so monumental that I think even they could appreciate the scale of it. I wouldnt worry too much. Getting started early will obviate some of the tourist fatigue for that visit from the start.

Take the teens to the museum. They might get exhausted but they will not be bored.

2 hours in the Vatican Museum is already pretty rushed. It is a big place and getting from start at the entrance to the end in Sistine Chapel is a long way. To save any significant time, you would have to really pick up the pace and start skipping some highlights.

I always preferred the Basilica. The sheer size makes it seen less crowded. Plus it is usually cooler. Since your tour ends there, you can stay longer, relax and wander. Just give yourself some time before doing the tower.

One thing I’m not seeing mentioned (or not mentioned much) as I scrolled through is how crowded the Vatican Museums are. Been twice on two different RS tours, and there are so many people being ushered through, it’s tough to take it all in. It’s not like other art museums where you roam around and walk up to objects and paintings, it’s essentially lines of groups of people walking through. At least in St. Peter’s you can spread out a bit.

I’m not really answering your question, I know, but be aware of what the experience is like. Have your been inside the Palace of Versailles? In my experience, a similar volume of people.

I’d pick the basilica. Been to the museum twice and found the crowds unbearable and couldn’t remember any of the art. If you want art go to the Borghesi sp? Museum and wander through several other churches.

I was in all three 2 years ago and only remember the Basilica. It impressed me so much. If and when I go back I will only go to the ,Basilica.

Basilica yes. Vatican Museums no. Borghese Gallery beats the Vatican Museums any day. Wandering through the Forum is even better. No need to go into the Colosseum but gazing at it from the Forum or the Capitoline hill is amazing