Capitoline Museums Rome
World's oldest public museum, housing masterpieces of Roman sculpture and art on Michelangelo's stunning Capitoline Hill.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Capitoline Museums Rome
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
World's oldest public museum, housing masterpieces of Roman sculpture and art on Michelangelo's stunning Capitoline Hill.
"A treasure trove of Roman history and art, with breathtaking views to match."
🎟️ Book tickets online
Secure your entry to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple buildings and levels.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius
Courtyard
The iconic gilded bronze equestrian statue, a symbol of imperial power and a masterpiece of Roman sculpture.

Dying Gaul
Palazzo Nuovo
A poignant marble sculpture depicting a wounded Celtic warrior, renowned for its emotional intensity and realism.

Colossus of Constantine
Tabularium
Immense marble fragments of a colossal statue of Emperor Constantine, offering a glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Rome.

Hall of the Emperors
Palazzo dei Conservatori
A breathtaking collection of imperial busts, showcasing Roman emperors from Augustus to the late empire.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Explore the Capitoline Hill
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book tickets online
Secure your entry to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple buildings and levels.
🏛️ Explore Piazza del Campidoglio
Don't miss Michelangelo's stunning piazza and the views of the Roman Forum.
🗺️ Consider the Roma Pass
It might offer discounts and public transport benefits.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book tickets online
Secure your entry to avoid potential queues, especially during peak season.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across multiple buildings and levels.
🏛️ Explore Piazza del Campidoglio
Don't miss Michelangelo's stunning piazza and the views of the Roman Forum.
🗺️ Consider the Roma Pass
It might offer discounts and public transport benefits.
📸 Capture the Colossus
The giant fragments of Constantine's statue are a must-see photo op.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Capitoline Museums for their exceptional collection of Roman sculptures and art, particularly the iconic Marcus Aurelius statue and the Hall of Emperors. The stunning location on Capitoline Hill and the views over the Roman Forum are also frequently highlighted as major draws. Some visitors note that the sheer volume of art can be overwhelming, and signage could be improved in certain areas.
"One of the best museums in Rome simply put. The square in which it sits was designed by Michaelangelo in the 1500s. The museum is dedicated to history and art of Ancient Rome. The most famous work is the Capitoline Wolf. There are also renaissance and baroque paintings which are all very stunning to see in real life. This museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and the architecture itself is just stunning. It’s best to book tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist periods."
Alfred Tao
"Incredible museum in the heart of Rome right next door to major attractions such as the Roman forum, The Altar della Patria, The Piazza Vinezia, The Santa Maria Aracolei chruch and so much more, queues can vairy massively depending on time of day but I reccomend you go after lunchtime to avoid the morning rush, inside there's almost endless attractions to enjoy and observe ranging from ancient classics to renaissance masterpieces, to finish it off with an amazing gift shop with a huge variety of souvenirs available, strongly recommend anyone to visit this museum and will be returning in the future
Atmosphere:4/5
History:5/5
Architecture: 5/5
Service:4/5
Amenities/Facilities:5/5
Overall:5/5"
Daniel Burns
"Well organised museum with gigantic statutes and nice frescos and paintings.It is not crowded which gives you a good opportunity for a quite detailed visit.
The cafeteria there has a beautiful panoramic view . It is clean with many snacks and drinks options."
Najwa Akar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Capitoline Museums are located on Capitoline Hill. You can reach them by walking from the Roman Forum or Piazza Venezia. Several bus lines stop nearby, and it's a pleasant walk from the Colosseo metro station (Line B).
Yes, many bus routes serve the area around Piazza Venezia, which is a short walk from Capitoline Hill. The nearest metro station is Colosseo (Line B), about a 15-20 minute walk away.
Absolutely! It's a scenic walk of about 15-20 minutes, passing by the Roman Forum. This allows you to see more of the ancient city on your way.
Street parking is very limited and difficult to find in this central area. It's highly recommended to use public transport or a taxi. There are paid parking garages in the vicinity, but they can be expensive.
Many visitors enjoy approaching via the Cordonata staircase, designed by Michelangelo, which leads up to Piazza del Campidoglio. It's a grand entrance to the museum complex.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While not always strictly necessary, booking tickets online in advance is recommended to guarantee entry and avoid potential queues, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The Capitoline Museums typically open around 9:30 AM and close at 7:30 PM, with the last admission usually an hour before closing. It's always best to check the official website for the most current opening hours, as they can vary.
Yes, the Roma Pass often includes free entry to one or two museums, including the Capitoline Museums, and discounts on others. It can also cover public transport.
Ticket prices can vary, but a standard adult ticket is typically around €15-€20. Concessions are available for EU citizens aged 18-25 and other categories. Check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
The Capitoline Museums, like many state museums in Italy, offer free admission on the first Sunday of every month. However, these days can be very crowded.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
To fully appreciate the collections and the architecture, plan for at least 2-3 hours. If you want to explore the Piazza del Campidoglio and its views, allocate an extra hour.
Key highlights include the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, the Dying Gaul, the Capitoline Wolf, the Colossus of Constantine, and the Hall of the Emperors.
Absolutely! The museums house a vast collection of classical Roman sculpture, Renaissance art, and paintings, making it a prime destination for art history lovers.
Photography for personal use is generally allowed without flash. However, some special exhibitions might have restrictions. Always look for signage.
Yes, there is a cafe/restaurant within the museum complex, offering refreshments and light meals with stunning views over the Roman Forum.
📸 📸 Photography
The Piazza del Campidoglio offers iconic shots of the piazza and the city. Inside, the Hall of the Emperors and the courtyard with Marcus Aurelius are very photogenic. The views over the Roman Forum are also spectacular.
Tripods are generally not permitted inside the museums to avoid obstructing other visitors and for safety reasons. Check the museum's specific policy upon arrival.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light, enhancing the ancient architecture. Early mornings can also be good for fewer crowds and softer light.
The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, the Dying Gaul, and the colossal fragments of Constantine are highly recommended for their visual impact.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is useful for capturing both wide shots of the piazza and details of sculptures. A fast prime lens can be good for low-light interiors if flash is prohibited.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit smoother, consider a shorter, focused visit, perhaps concentrating on the Palazzo dei Conservatori. Bring snacks and water, and be prepared for plenty of walking. The views over the Roman Forum from the back of the piazza can also serve as a great break and a visual history lesson.
🏛️ Art History Buffs
Don't overlook the painting galleries in the Palazzo dei Conservatori, which feature works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Veronese. The Centrale Montemartini (a branch of the Capitoline Museums) offers a unique juxtaposition of classical sculpture against an industrial power plant backdrop, a truly memorable experience for those seeking something different.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Capitoline Museums: A Journey Through Roman Art
The museum complex is divided into the Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, and the Tabularium. The Palazzo Nuovo is home to the famous Hall of the Emperors, a gallery of imperial busts, and the Dying Gaul. The Palazzo dei Conservatori features the Capitoline Wolf, the colossal fragments of Constantine, and a rich collection of paintings. The Tabularium, an ancient Roman record office, connects the two palaces and offers breathtaking views of the Roman Forum.
Many visitors find the sheer scale and historical significance of the collections overwhelming in the best way possible. The arrangement of the art, particularly the imperial portraits, provides a fascinating narrative of Roman history and power. It's a place where history truly comes alive, offering a deep dive into the artistic and cultural legacy of ancient Rome.
Exploring Capitoline Hill and its Views
The real magic for many visitors lies in the panoramic views of the Roman Forum accessible from the back of the piazza, near the Tabularium. This vantage point offers a stunning perspective of the ancient ruins, especially during the golden hour. It's a perfect spot to reflect on the history you've just experienced within the museums.
Many travelers recommend taking time to simply wander around the piazza, admire the architecture, and soak in the atmosphere. It's a place that invites contemplation and offers a different, more serene side of Rome compared to the more crowded ancient sites.
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