50's was striking...what used to be a leisurely stroll through the Sistine Chapel, et al, has now become a shoulder-to-shoulder 'Cattle Drive' with constant instructions to "Move Along" being blared from overhead speakers.
I hate to say this, but if you can't score a "private" viewing...don't get in line.
As for the cretin who smashed the statues, I'm not totally surprised that this happened, given the 'new normal' of utter congestion and lack of opportunity to savor the beauty on display.