VATICAN CITY - From 14 April to 28 October 2023 the Pope's Museums will extend their opening hours every Friday and Saturday until 10.30 pm (last entrance at 8.30 pm). These nocturnal visits offer the opportunity to experience the museum in the quiet and evocative atmosphere of the night, according to the director of the Museums.

 In past editions, the data collected on the participation of the evening openings suggest that they are particularly popular with young people and families. A rich musical and concert programme is also being launched, organised in collaboration with the Italian National Committee for Music (CIDIM). This musical programme, aimed at showcasing the talent of young students of Italian conservatories, will accompany the cultural visit.

 Amidst the famous Greek and Roman sculptures of the Gregorian Museum, the young talents of the Vatican City State Gendarmerie Corps will perform as well as the young talents of the Conservatories of Santa Cecilia in Rome. All musical performances are included in the cost of the normal ticket.

 “There is nothing more surprising - comments Barbara Jatta, Director of the Vatican Museums – than immersing oneself in the beauty of the Vatican collections illuminated by the moonlight behind the dome of the St Peter's Basilica. And all this will be possible thanks to 'Musei di sera,' the initiative which the Vatican Museums has joined once more in 2023. The arts in dialogue with each other, the doors open to the hearts and eyes of those who are in Rome and want to enjoy a unique and unforgettable experience.”

 The Vatican Museums by Night were born, in fact, from the desire to transform for a few hours the museum spaces into places where one can be amazed, listen to music, and discover beauty away from the frenzy of daily commitments and activities. For those who wish, an inviting Happy Hour - served in one of the most beautiful open spaces in the world, the world, the Cortile della Pigna - can be booked on the Museums' website.

 For more information please consult the official website www.museivaticani.va.

 Booking is compulsory for night-time visits and from 6 May the closing time on Saturdays will instead be 8.00 p.m. (last admission at 6.00 p.m.)

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