Vatican museums to remain open at night through October

Vatican museums to stay open at night through Oct.

VATICAN CITY — The Vatican says Friday nights at its museums have been a great success, so it is extending the initiative to include September and October.

The Vatican Museums, which include a visit to the Sistine Chapel, are jammed by tourists during the daytime, so this summer they opened the doors on an experimental basis on July 24.

Museum officials announced in a statement that the initiative proved to be so popular that nighttime visits will continue in September and October from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., with last admission at 9:30 p.m.

Reservations are required and should be made on the Museums Web site: www.vatican.va.