The Vatican Museums Management is happy to announce that its extraordinary night opening in the current year shall be maintained on every Friday of the month of September (4, 11, 18, 25) and every Friday of the month of October (2,9, 16, 23, 30) from 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Last entrance at 9:30 pm. This decision is due to the unexpected success of the first night opening of the Vatican Museums started on July 24, 2009.

This unique experience can be enjoyed by local citizens, as well as tourists who due to day commitment or other reasons, can plan to visit the vast selection of the marvels of the Vatican Museums at night.

Night visitors can take in the unique sunset on the Sant Peter’s Basilica and the Vatican Gardens from the side of the courtyard of the Corazze or from the windows of the Galleria of the Geographical Maps while enjoying the breeze of the “ponentino” (the fresh winds from the sea gently blowing into the city in connection with sunset). Walk in the Cortile Ottagono to admire the antique sculptures under the dim flickering torchlight. Proceed to visit Raffaello’s Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, accompanied by the mystical ecstasy of the night silence.

Walk through the Gallerie della Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana (the Gallery of the Apostolic Vatican Library) in the twilight awesomeness and the essential quietness to observe the countless pictorial art of wardrobes and walls. Last but not least, admire the Cortile della Pigna and the Cortile della Pinacoteca, ccompanied by the power of suggestion of the quiet of the night.

In order to benefit from such a very special night, it is essential to book online through the official Internet site of the Musei Vaticani (www.vatican.va : in the page bearing the writing La Santa Sede, click on the chosen language, then on the page that follows, click on the left on Musei Vaticani, follow the instructions to Biglietteria online). Also online, it is possible to book a guided visit.

WHAT TO TAKE AWAY FROM THIS ARTICLE:

Night visitors can take in the unique sunset on the Sant Peter's Basilica and the Vatican Gardens from the side of the courtyard of the Corazze or from the windows of the Galleria of the Geographical Maps while enjoying the breeze of the “ponentino” (the fresh winds from the sea gently blowing into the city in connection with sunset).
This unique experience can be enjoyed by local citizens, as well as tourists who due to day commitment or other reasons, can plan to visit the vast selection of the marvels of the Vatican Museums at night.
in the page bearing the writing La Santa Sede, click on the chosen language, then on the page that follows, click on the left on Musei Vaticani, follow the instructions to Biglietteria online).