_Open every day from 9 till 3, except on Thursday and Saturday, when
it is closed. Permission must be obtained of Monsignor Macchi, at his
office in the Vatican, from 10 till 1. Each permit admits a party of
five, and can only be used once._
_Entrance_ is obtained by going round to the back of S. Peter's, thus
enabling us on our way to admire the vast proportions of the latter.
The Vatican Museum was founded by Julius II., and consists of those
objects of art that have been discovered, and which once graced the
principal buildings of ancient Rome. At the entrance the new official
English catalogue by Signor Massi, the conservator of the galleries,
can be purchased; it gives a full account of the objects of art. In so
vast a collection, we call attention to the principal works only.
_Entering on the left by the iron gates, filled in with glass, and
ascending the marble stairs, we enter_