In light of the increase in tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic, the Vatican Museums will also introduce extended hours in an effort to accommodate high visitor demand and overcrowding.

From Jan. 1, 2024, the opening hours on Monday through Saturday will be extended by two hours, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

The current opening hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with the last entrance allowed one hour before closing.

For the high tourist season in spring and summer, beginning March 2024, the museums will also extend their opening hours on Fridays and Saturdays to 8 p.m.

The museums said guided tours will be limited to a maximum of 20 people and they are adding additional air conditioning throughout the exhibition rooms.

Additionally, the Vatican Museums will introduce measures to combat a challenge faced by many tourist sites in Rome: secondary ticketing, or the unauthorized resale of tickets.

Religion News