For the third year running, the Vatican Museums are to be open every Friday evening between the 6 May till 28 October 2011, except during the month of August. Last year, over 30,000 visitors took advantage of the extra opening hours to tour the celebrated galleries of the Holy See. Antonio Paolucci, curator of the Vatican Museums, praised the initiative, saying that it provided a perfect opportunity for families who would otherwise be too busy during the day, to see the worlds finest art collection.

Evening openings are on Fridays between 7pm and 11pm (last entrance at 9.30pm) and must be booked in advance through the following website: www.museivaticani.va