Sistine Chapel’s Last Judgement Closed for 3-Month Restoration

Michelangelo’s Last Judgement Undergoes Restoration

The Sistine Chapel’s Last Judgement, MichelangeloMichelangeloMichelangelo Buonarroti (1475 to 1564) painted the Sistine Chapel ceiling and the Last Judgement, designed the dome of St Peter's and laid out the Capitoline square. In Rome he is an architect as much as a painter.’s renowned fresco, is currently closed for extraordinary cleaning and maintenance. This work began early February 2026 and is expected to last about three months according to the Vatican Museums official announcement. During this period, visitors to the Vatican Museums cannot access or view the fresco.

This closure affects planning for anyone focusing on Michelangelo’s key works at the Vatican, particularly the Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel, which is normally one of the highlights. While the chapel remains a core attraction, this restoration means the fresco is off-limits to preserve its condition.

Planning Your Vatican Museums Visit

Tickets for the Vatican Museums are still required with timed entry slotsTimed entry slotA fascia oraria is the entry window printed on a Rome museum ticket. It fixes when you may enter, and at some museums how long you may stay.. As always, booking in advance on the official Vatican Museums website is advised due to increased queue management and security. Expect that access to the Sistine Chapel will be limited to walking through without being able to view Last Judgement during cleaning.

If the Last Judgement is a priority, consider rescheduling your Vatican visit outside this maintenance window. Other galleries remain open but plan accordingly since the Sistine Chapel is a major draw.

For detailed updates and changes on closures, check the Vatican Museums news page regularly. The restoration reflects ongoing care of Rome’s heritage but impacts visitor experience until late 2026.

Source: Vatican Museums official news