Overview
Leonardo’s Last Supper is a wall, not a painting on canvas — a fragile mural in the refectory of Santa Maria delle Grazie. To control humidity, visitors go in as small groups of roughly 35 for a strictly timed 15-minute viewing, and then out again.
That maths is the whole problem. A few hundred people a day, worldwide demand, and slots that regularly sell out weeks ahead. Official tickets are released through Vivaticket in batches; the site is the only place selling at face value, currently around €15 plus a booking fee.
How the permit works
- 1Watch for the release: Vivaticket opens blocks of dates periodically rather than continuously.
- 2Be online at the release time — the first slots of each block go quickly.
- 3Pick a 15-minute slot; the site shows real-time availability per time, not per day.
- 4Pay online and save the confirmation code; tickets are usually collected or scanned on site.
- 5Arrive at least 15–20 minutes early. Miss your slot and it is gone — there is no next group to join.
Missed the window? Book a guided visit with entry included
Licensed operators hold their own allocation of tickets. A guided visit is the realistic way in when the official release is gone — and you skip the queue.
See guided visits & pricesBooking partner: Civitatis. Free cancellation on most tours. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Required documents
- Booking confirmation code or printed ticket
- Photo ID matching the booking name
- Reduced-rate or EU-youth proof if claimed
Insider tips
- Set a calendar reminder for the next Vivaticket release rather than checking randomly — that’s where the availability actually is.
- When the official site shows nothing, authorized guided-tour operators often still hold allocated slots at a higher, legitimate price.
- Late-afternoon slots on weekdays are the last to fill; Mondays are closed entirely.
Sold-out alternatives
If your dates are gone, these get you a comparable experience.
Frequently asked questions
How far ahead should I book The Last Supper?
Plan on weeks, not days — and note that Vivaticket releases dates in batches, so the practical answer is “as soon as your dates appear”.
How long do I actually get in front of it?
About 15 minutes with roughly 35 other people. It’s short by design, to protect the mural.
Is there any way in without a reservation?
Very rarely. Occasional same-day returns appear at the ticket desk, but you should not travel to Milan counting on it.