We purchased tickets in early December for the 8am entry on 5 March for the Vatican Museum/Sistine Chapel. I have the ticket receipts and tickets. However, I have since learned that there is a temporary closure of the museums that day from 8am to 9am (via the official website for the Vatican: https://www.museivaticani.va/content/museivaticani/en/info/orari-musei-vaticani.html#lnav_shop
Has this happened to anyone before? Should we have been notified or refunded or rebooked? Of course most tickets for the days we are there are now sold out. I’ve contacted the help email listed on the tickets (and yes, tickets were purchased on the official site) but no response. Suggestions? Thank you.
Posted by
Cornwall
460 posts
Go at 9 instead?
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4697 posts
I would get in line at 8 even though it says it's closed-don't give them a reason to deny you entry at 9.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8091 posts
Museums close galleries temporarily every day of the year. You are exposed to this "danger" even without an advance notice. The fact that there is notice suggests that it's an art-piece movement, or a fat-cat visitor. Relax. It takes many hours to see the art at the Vatican. Have you planned too many activities the same day? We ate the Vatican's cafeteria lunch and returned to the galleries for hours more.
One reason it takes so long is the crowds.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA area (USA)
151 posts
Yes, it wouldn’t hurt to show up shortly before 8 and see what’s going on. If the security line isn’t open you can just hang out there or go get coffee and come back. I don’t think there’s an issue with going in at a later time than what’s on your ticket but others on the forum may know for sure. Good luck!