An article in today's New York Times said that the Vatican museums were instituting a reservation system. Does anybody know about this? Also, are reservations required in other museums in Rome? I'd appreciate any help you could give.

You need a reservation for the Borghese Museum.

The article said the reservation system will be in place in January 2008.

I read the NYT article also. It says that UNLESS one is on a tour that no tickets will be sold before 10:00 AM. That is in effect now.
Anyone have any recommendations as to tours? I shy away form the official Vatican Museum tour as it seems too iffy to confirm. The system of using faxes and not confirming until the last minute seems absurd. We will be there Thursday, March 15.
Thanks!

From what i gather regarding the new Vatican opening times is that during the "winter" season you can still arrive around 9am and once the "tours" have entered you can get in !(i have just checked this with friend who was there last week!)
i think that the new "rules" are really trying to keep the summer visitors in check
regarding "tours" i never much care or them i do prefer to wander around at my own pace and have a good guide book to hand but it if you require a guide try looking on Trip Advisor Rome Forum and type in vatican Tour Guide in the search box ..there's lots of info on there !
Ciao XxEm

We were there in mid January, had made no reservations. No queue, walked right in and purchased tickets. It would have been just after 9am (and I thought they didn't open until 10am)