Visit the Capitol Museums in Rome: tickets, prices, schedules

Are you from Rome? Don’t miss discovering the many art works of the Capitole Museums!

The Capitol Museums in Rome are the most important museums to visit after the Vatican City . Indeed, they alone retain the memory of the Antique Rome. They are also considered the oldest museums in the world.

Located on the famous Piazza del Campidoglio (Place du Capitole), at the top of one of the seven hills on which Rome was founded, they attract thousands of visitors every year. Around the copy of Marc Aurèle’s equestrian bronze, there are three elegant palaces, two of which have been converted into museums, with superb antique collections since 1471.

You can thus discover the many works of art of the Palais des Conservatives (Palazzo dei Conservatori) and the Palais Neuf ( Palazzo Nuovo), located on both sides of the square and connected by an underground gallery. The third Palace (Palazzo Senatorio) became the seat of the Municipal Council of Rome.

To help you maximize your visit, here is everything you need to know about the Capitol Museums in Rome. Follow the guide!

The history of the Capitol Museums in Rome.

The Museums of the Capitol in Rome (Musei Capitolini) were originally created during the donation of bronze statues to the city, by the Pope Sixth IV in 1471. Over the course of time, this collection has expanded thanks to the gifts of successive Popes, especially Paolo III and Pio V who no longer wanted pagan sculptures from the Vatican.

In 1537 Pope Paul III asked Michelangelo to redesign the Capitol square. Indeed, if at the beginning only the Palais des Conservateurs existed, in 1654 the Palais Neuf saw the day allowing for a wider collection of works of art.

Then it was in 1734, that the Pope Clement XII decided to open the doors of the Capitole Museums to the general public. It was then a world first, because they became the first museums in the world to welcome visitors. Later, Benoit XIV inaugurated the Pinacothèque du Capitole, with the private collections of the Sacchetti and Pio de Savoie family.

Today, the Capitol Museums are a must-see during a city visit. So you can't leave Rome without visiting them!

What to see and do at the Capitol Museums in Rome?

The two Palaces that make up the Capitole Museums contain an impressive collection of paintings and Roman sculptures . They are so vast, that we must count 3 hours at least to visit them.

The entrance is made by the Palais des Conservateurs through about 20 rooms on 2 floors, richly equipped. In the inner courtyard of the Palace, it is impossible to miss the fragments of a colossal marble statue (12 meters high) of Constantin. Among the must-see works, the most famous remains the sculpture of the Louve of the Capitole . A bronze in the lactating lava Romulus and Rémus . To see also, the original of the equestrian statue of the Emperor Marc-Aurèle , whose copy is on the Capitole square. On the second floor is the Pinacothèque which brings together the creations of the most brilliant masters of painting such as Caravaggio and Rubens.

One underground gallery passing under the square, then allows to reach the Palais Neuf. It also allows to visit Tabularium (salle of the archives of the Antique Rome) and enjoy a superb panorama on the Forum Romain .

The Palais Neuf built in the 17th century, contains masterpieces of classical Roman sculpture on two floors and 12 rooms . To be remembered, an exceptional mosaic from Villa Adriana in Tivoli and representing doves that abrupt.

Good to know: You can opt for a free visit or with video guides available in Italian, English, French, German, Spanish or Russian for a supplement of 6€.

How do I go to the Capitol Museums in Rome?

The Capitole Museums are therefore located in Piazza del Campidoglio. To get there, take it bus to Piazza Venezia, a few minutes’ walk away. We recommend you pass through the Cordonata, a graceful staircase that climbs from the Piazza d’Arcoeli offering an exceptional view. The entrance of the two Museums is then done by the Palais des Conservateurs.

Many bus lines serve Piazza Venezia. Think about checking your itinerary to know the most accessible depending on where you are. To find you in Rome and with public transport, do not hesitate to consult our article “ Detailed maps and plans of Rome » .

Timetables & Rates of the Capitol Museums in Rome

HORARI

The Capitol Museums are open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. , with the exception of December 24 and 31 where the doors close at 14h, and January 1, May 1, December 25 where the Museums are closed. It is important to note that ticketing ceases to sell tickets one hour before closing.

RATES

From June 7, 2019, you can choose a combined ticket exhibition “L’Arte Ritrovata” and Capitole Museums:

• General Tariff: 15€
• Reduced price for residents in Rome and EU nationals between 18 and 25 years: 13€

In the absence of exposure:

• General Tariff: 11,5€
• Reduced pricefor residents in Rome and EU nationals between 18 and 25 years: €9.5 For residents in Roma Capitale (on presentation of a proof of residence)

Access is free for children under 6 years of age, primary school groups, disabled visitors and their companion.

Think to book in advance online! In fact, it is best to buy tickets in advance and buy a line ticket to avoid a long waiting in cash.