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Hall of Animals

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Oct 2026Data Sources

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The Sala degli Animali, or Hall of Animals, is a remarkable section of the Pio-Clementine Museum within the Vatican. Conceived in the late 18th century under Pope Pius VI, the hall was designed by the architect Michelangelo Simonetti to house an extensive collection of ancient sculptures depicting animals. Often referred to as a 'stone zoo', the collection features both original Greek and Roman works alongside masterful restorations from the Renaissance and Baroque periods. The sculptor Francesco Antonio Franzoni played a vital role in the hall's development, frequently using various types of colored marble to enhance the anatomical realism of the creatures. The hall is divided into two distinct sections and showcases a wide range of subjects, from domestic animals and wildlife to mythological beasts. This unique gallery reflects the Enlightenment-era interest in natural history and classical aesthetics. Key highlights include the statue of Meleager with the boar's head and the intricately carved mosaics that decorate the floors, creating a comprehensive immersive environment of ancient zoological art.

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Location: Vatican
Highlights: Raphael Rooms · Sistine Chapel · Belvedere Courtyard

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	7	8	10	14	18	23	26	26	21	17	12	8
Rain mm	73	77	69	56	57	34	26	26	70	82	114	92

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Hall of Animals is an interior room of the Vatican Museums, so it is accessible with a regular museum ticket. You can view the ancient animal sculptures up close, as there are no additional barriers in the room.

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Typical hours

Opening hours follow the general schedule of the Vatican Museums, which varies by season. Typically, the museums are open Monday through Saturday and on the last Sunday of the month.

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Photography

Photography is generally allowed in the Hall of Animals without flash. Pay attention to staff instructions regarding special exhibits where recording may be restricted.

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Time needed

Allow about 20 to 30 minutes to view the collection of animal statues at a relaxed pace. The hall is compact, but the abundance of detail requires some time.

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Combine with

Combine this visit with other sections of the Vatican Museums such as the Gallery of the Candelabra or the Round Hall. The entrance to the Sistine Chapel is also along the same route.

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Getting there

The Vatican Museums are easily reached by metro (Line A, stop Ottaviano) or by bus. Follow the signs to the main entrance on Viale Vaticano.

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Insider tip

Deliberately look for the more exotic animals like the hippo or crocodile - these show the ancient fascination with foreign fauna. Visit the hall early in the morning to avoid crowds.