Update on Vatican Museum Closings
 

Here's an update on what is open as far as the museums/tours at the Vatican. I hope this helps:

ST. PETER'S BASILICA AND VATICAN MUSEUMS
April 7-??: The funeral for the Pope will be held Friday, April 8 at 10am. The following information regards closures during the conclave and through the election of the new pope.

Vatican Museums: the Musei Vaticani will be closed on the day of the funeral only. Otherwise, normal hours will be observed, except for the Sistine Chapel [see below]. The Vatican Museums web site has information on opening times/dates for the museums.

Sistine Chapel: the chapel will be closed from April 7 until 3 days after the election of the new pope.

Conclave: the conclave to elect the new pope will begin on April 18. There is no way of knowing how long it will last, but the average for the most recent elections has been 2-3 days, with few going beyond 5 days.

St. Peter's Basilica: the basilica is open for visits. Nine days of mourning from the date of the funeral will be observed. A special mass will be held every day through Saturday, April 16 at 5pm.

St. Peter's Crypt: the grotte vaticane where the Pope was buried will open to the public starting Wednesday, April 13 at 7am.

Vatican Gardens: the giardini vaticani will be closed until 3 days after the election of the new pope. No visits will take place during this period.

Interesting. I know there's more to the Vatican Museums than the Sistine Chapel, but I'm just wondering how many Fodorites would go if the Chapel was closed.

very helpful, I'm sure, for Rome travelers

Thanks! I'm going to Rome on Wednesday and was hoping that the Vatican museum would be open. Too bad about the Sistene Chapel, but I can save that for next time...

There is so much more to see in the Vatican museum than the Sistine Chapel. The Raphael Rooms are wonderful and, IMHO, the "map gallery" (not sure of it's official title) is better than the Sistine Chapel - but I love maps

read up before you visit the vatican museum or you will not be able to appreciate it. the only work of art i was familiar with when i went was the sistine which is the last 1% of artwork to be seen at the museum.

I'vr read that the Vatican's audio guide is helpful, if you're going to the museums without a guided tour.