Capitoline Museums: one of the most Important museums in the world

The Capitoline Museums: one of the oldest and most important museums in the world

The Capitoline Museums are one of the most important and fascinating places in Rome, custodians of an extraordinary collection of art, history and culture that tell the story of the greatness of the city and its past. Founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV with the donation of a series of ancient statues, the museums are among the oldest in the world and represent a milestone in the history of museology. Located on the top of the Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome, the Capitoline Museums are in a privileged position, which not only offers a spectacular view of the city, but also has a strong symbolic meaning, as the Capitoline Hill is the political and historical heart of Rome.

The collection is divided between the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, two buildings that are also of great architectural value, designed by Michelangelo. The Palazzo dei Conservatori houses some of the most famous sculptures, such as the statue of Marcus Aurelius, an equestrian monument depicting the Roman emperor, a symbol of power and justice. Other iconic works include the Capitoline Wolf, a legendary symbol of Rome, and the Capitoline Brutus, a marble head representing a Roman senator. The Palazzo Nuovo, on the other hand, houses works such as the Dying Gaul, a Hellenistic sculpture representing a seriously wounded warrior, and the Statue of Hercules Farnese, one of the masterpieces of classical sculpture. In addition to the sculptures, the Capitoline Museums boast a rich Painting Gallery, which houses works by masters such as Caravaggio, Titian and Veronese, offering a starting point for understanding the evolution of art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance.

Another treasure of the museums is the vast collection of Roman mosaics, which offer a glimpse of daily life and religious beliefs in ancient Rome. The numismatic collection, which includes coins and medals, is fundamental to studying the economic and political evolution of the city. Furthermore, the Piazza del Campidoglio, also designed by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance urban planning and is the heart of the visit to the Capitoline Museums, with the Column of Marcus Aurelius dominating the square and the surrounding landscape. The museum is not only a place of conservation, but also a center for research and enhancement, thanks to temporary exhibitions that delve into various aspects of the history of Rome and its artistic heritage. The Capitoline Museums are not only a testimony to the greatness of ancient Rome, but also a point of reference for art and culture in general. Visiting these museums is a fascinating journey into the heart of Rome, a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in centuries of history, art and beauty that have influenced the entire world, making the Capitoline Museums an unmissable stop for anyone who wants to know the eternal city in depth.

Useful information for visiting the Capitoline Museums

Opening hours

The Capitoline Museums are open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, with last admission at 6:30 pm. Hours may vary on holidays, so it's always a good idea to check in advance.

Tickets and costs

The ticket costs 20 euros per person. Children under 6 enter for free. Free admission is provided every first Sunday of the month for residents of Rome and surrounding provinces.

Instructions

• Go to the entrance of the Capitoline Museums and show the smartphone voucher to the staff.

• Children (0-5) enter for free, go to the ticket office to collect the free ticket

• It is forbidden to bring food, drinks or pets inside the museums.

• Only small bags are allowed

Entrance to the Capitoline Museums

- Professional guide

- Hotel pick up and drop off

How to get to the Capitoline Museums:

The Capitoline Museums are located in Piazza del Campidoglio, a central location in Rome, easily reachable by several means of transportation. Here are some ways to get there:

• On Foot: If you are already in the center of Rome, the Capitoline Museums are within easy walking distance of other famous attractions such as the Colosseum (about 10 minutes), Piazza Venezia (5 minutes), and the Roman Forum (5 minutes).
• Metro: The Colosseum stop on Metro Line B is the closest. From there, it is a short walk of about 10-15 minutes to get to the museums.
• Bus: Several bus lines pass nearby, such as lines 60, 62, 64, 80, and 87. You can get off at the Piazza Venezia or Campidoglio stops.
• Taxi or Uber: If you prefer private transportation, you can take a taxi or Uber. The area around the Capitoline Museums is well served by taxi services, and the square is easily accessible.
• Bike or scooter: Rome offers numerous bike-sharing and scooter-sharing services, which will allow you to comfortably reach the museums, taking advantage of the cycle paths and pedestrian streets in the area.

Frequently asked questions about visiting the Capitoline Museums:

1. Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is provided. The entrance and the main rooms of the museum are easily accessible, and services are also available to facilitate the visit.

2. Is it possible to present the ticket on a smartphone or does it have to be printed?

Are smartphone tickets accepted

3. Is there a souvenir shop inside the museum?

Yes, the Capitoline Museums have a souvenir shop where you can buy books, art reproductions, objects related to the history of Rome and the museums.

4. Are there concessions or free tickets?

Children under 6 enter for free. Free admission is provided every first Sunday of the month for residents of Rome and surrounding provinces.

5. Are there facilities for eating inside the museum?

The Capitoline Museums do not have a restaurant inside, but nearby there are numerous cafes and restaurants where you can take a break during your visit.

How to visit the Capitoline Museums

Visiting the Capitoline Museums is an unmissable experience for those who want to explore the history of Rome. The museums are easily accessible by public transport or on foot, as they are located in the heart of the city, on top of the Capitoline Hill. It is advisable to buy tickets online to avoid long lines and take advantage of offers for groups or students. Once inside, you can follow a route that touches on the main works of art, including the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Capitoline Wolf. In addition, guided tours are available to delve deeper into the history of the collections and the works on display.

The history of the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are among the oldest museums in the world, founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a series of ancient statues to the city of Rome, marking the beginning of the public collection. Their arrangement began in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and, over the centuries, was enriched thanks to new acquisitions and donations, including those of popes and Roman nobles. In 1734, Pope Clement XII commissioned Carlo Marchionni to reorganize the museum, and since then its growth has never stopped. The museums became a symbol of modern Rome after the unification of Italy in 1870. Today they are a fundamental cultural center that preserves symbolic works of Roman civilization.

Curiosities about the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums house many fascinating curiosities: the statue of Marcus Aurelius, displayed in the square, is an imitation, as the original is kept indoors to protect it from the elements. The Capitoline Wolf, the symbol of Rome, was thought to be Etruscan, but recent studies suggest a more recent dating. Another curiosity concerns the Column of Marcus Aurelius, which recounts the emperor's exploits with detailed reliefs. In addition, the Capitoline Museums house the largest collection of Roman marble sculptures in the world.

What to see in the vicinity of the Capitoline Museums

• Colosseum: A few steps from the Capitoline Museums, the Colosseum is one of Rome's most iconic monuments, a symbol of the grandeur of Ancient Rome and the scene of spectacular gladiator fights.
• Roman Forum: Located just below the Capitoline Hill, the Roman Forum is the beating heart of Ancient Rome, with temples, basilicas and triumphal arches that tell the story of the city's political and religious life.
• Piazza Venezia: A short distance from the Capitoline Museums, Piazza Venezia is one of Rome's main squares, dominated by the imposing Altar of the Fatherland, a monument dedicated to the Unification of Italy.
• Campidoglio: The Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, with its elegance and the Column of Marcus Aurelius that tells the story of the emperor.
• Basilica of San Pietro in Vincoli: Just a 10-minute walk away, this basilica is home to Michelangelo's famous sculpture of Moses, an extraordinary work that embodies the artist's genius.