The Capitoline Museums (Italian: Musei Capitolini) are a group of art and archaeological museums in Piazza del Campidoglio, on top of the Capitoline Hill in Rome, Italy. The historic seats of the museums are Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, facing on the central trapezoidal piazza in a plan conceived by Michelangelo in 1536 and executed over a period of more than 400 years.
Capitoline Museum in a Nutshell
Getting There
Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Rome RM, Italy
Rome - Italy
Get Directions
Opening Hours
9:30 am to 7:30 pm,
Closed on 25th December, 1st January and 1st May
Why is Capitoline Museum worth visiting?
- The Capitoline Museums house a vast and diverse collection of art, spanning over 2,500 years of history.
- The museums are located in a beautiful setting on the Capitoline Hill, one of the most historic hills in Rome.
- The Capitoline Museums are well-curated and home to some of the most famous works of art in the world, including the Capitoline She-Wolf and the Dying Gaul.
- Admission to the Capitoline Museums is free for EU citizens under 18 and for all citizens on the first Sunday of each month.
- The museums are open late on Fridays and Saturdays, making them a great place to visit after a long day of sightseeing.
Recommended Capitoline Museums Tickets
Depending on the kind of experience you seek and time in hand, you can choose from a variety of Capitoline Museums tickets.
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Located right in the center of the Catalan capital, visit Casa Amatller – home of the famous chocolatier, Antoni Amatller.
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Choose from an English, Spanish, or Catalan-guided tour.
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Designed by renowned architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch, explore this private home of the early 1900s with all its original furniture and interior design.
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The staggered façade is full of symbolism and decorative elements, part of the Romanesque and Catalan Gothic architectural styles.
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Soak up the stained glass antiquities, the intricate woodwork of the furniture, the pavements, the exquisite ceramics, and art.
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Savor an Amatller’s original chocolate, included in this ticket.
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Grab this ticket that gives you entry into Casa Amatller along with an engaging digital audio guide.
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Worried you might miss out on the best parts? Your audio guide will fill you in on all the insider information about the lavish structure.
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Walks the hallways that the wealthy of the art nouveau times did during glamorous high society evenings.
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Stay back and explore at your own pace until closing hours without being bound by time limitations.
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Fun Fact: Casa Amatller is located in the Block of Discord, a block in the city known for buildings with completely contrasting architectural styles.
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This wallet-friendly combo gives you access to two of Barcelona’s iconic examples of Catalan modernism – Casa Batlló and Casa Amatller.
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Both houses offer a multilingual audio guide and while there is timed entry to Casa Batlló, stay back at Casa Amatller however long you like.
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Marvel at Antoni Gaudí's surreal creations in Casa Batlló. Enter the immersive Gaudí Cube, a 6-sided, LED-paneled room!
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At Casa Amatller, home of the chocolatier Antoni Amatller, admire the original furnishings and an interesting archaeological glass collection.
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Fun Fact: Casa Amatller, Casa Batlló, and Casa Lleó Morera are Modernista creations that sit next to each other, together forming the 'Apple of Discord' (Illa de la Discordia).
Capitoline Museums History
The history of the museum can be traced to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of important ancient bronzes to the people of Rome and located them on the Capitoline Hill. The museums are owned and operated by the municipality of Rome. The statue of a mounted rider in the centre of the piazza is of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. It is a copy, the original being housed on-site in the Capitoline museum. Opened to the public in 1734 under Clement XII, the Capitoline Museums are considered one of the oldest museums in the world, understood as a place where art could be enjoyed by all and not only by the owners.
In 1734, Pope Clement XII opened the museums to the public. The museums were originally housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. In the 19th century, the museums expanded to include the Tabularium, an ancient Roman building that once housed the city's archives.
Capitoline Museums Architecture
The Capitoline Museums are housed in three buildings: the Palazzo dei Conservatori, the Palazzo Nuovo, and the Tabularium. The Palazzo dei Conservatori was built in the 15th century and is the oldest of the three buildings. The Palazzo Nuovo was built in the 17th century and is a mirror image of the Palazzo dei Conservatori. The Tabularium is an ancient Roman building that was once used to store the city's archives.
The Capitoline Museums are located on the Capitoline Hill, one of the most historic hills in Rome. The hill has been inhabited since the 7th century BC, and was the site of the Roman Senate and the Roman treasury. The museums are housed in a beautiful setting, and offer stunning views of the city.
The architecture of the Capitoline Museums is a blend of ancient and modern. The Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo are both Renaissance buildings, while the Tabularium is an ancient Roman building. The museums are a beautiful example of how ancient and modern architecture can be blended together to create a stunning and harmonious whole.
Highlights of Capitoline Museums
1The Capitoline She-Wolf
This iconic bronze statue is one of the symbols of Rome, and is believed to have been created in the 5th century BC. It is a symbol of Rome's founding legend, which tells the story of how twins Romulus and Remus were raised by a she-wolf.
2The Dying Gaul
This marble sculpture is a Roman copy of a Greek original, and depicts a defeated Gaul soldier in a state of great pain. It is a powerful and moving work of art, and is a testament to the brutality of war.The statue depicts a dying Gallic warrior, his face contorted in pain as he struggles from a fatal wound. He is naked except for a Celtic torc around his neck, and he is propped up on his shield.
3The Hall of Emperors
This room is home to a collection of marble busts of Roman emperors, including Julius Caesar, Augustus, and Trajan. It is a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Roman Empire, and provides a unique opportunity to see the faces of some of the most famous emperors in history.
4The Tabularium
This ancient Roman building is now home to a collection of Roman law tablets. It is a fascinating glimpse into the legal system of ancient Rome, and provides a unique insight into the way the Roman government functioned.
5The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius
This marble statue of the Roman emperor was originally located in the Roman Forum, but was moved to the Capitoline Museums in the 16th century. It is one of the most famous statues in the world, and is a symbol of the Roman Empire at its height.
Best Time to Visit Capitoline Museums
The best time to visit the Capitoline Museums in Rome, Italy is during the shoulder seasons of spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, and the crowds are generally smaller than during the peak summer months.
Visiting during the early morning or late afternoon can also be a good strategy to avoid the crowds, as many tourists tend to visit in the middle of the day. Additionally, weekdays may be less busy than weekends.
Capitoline Museums Opening Hours
- Daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm
- Closed On: December 24 and 31 from 9:30 am to 2:00 pm Closed on January 1, May 1 and December 25
Getting There
Bus
The Capitoline Museums are served by several bus lines, including the 40, 60, 64, 70, and 170. These buses stop at Piazza Venezia, which is a short walk from the museum.
Metro
The closest metro station to the Capitoline Museums is Colosseo on Line B. From there, it is a 15-20 minute walk to the museum.
Train/Tram
If you are arriving in Rome by train, you can take the metro Line B from the main Termini station to the Colosseo stop, and then walk to the museum.
Insider Tips to Visit Capitoline Museums
- The Capitoline Museums offer a stunning view of the city from their rooftop terrace. Be sure to take a break from the galleries and visit the terrace to enjoy the panoramic view of Rome.
- Take a guided tour to learn more about the collections.
- Plan to spend at least a few hours exploring the museum.
- Visit the rooftop terrace for a stunning view of Rome.
- Don't miss the Capitoline Wolf, a bronze statue of a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus.
- Explore the museum at night during the summer months when it's open late on Fridays and Saturdays.
Capitoline Museums Facts
- The Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museum collection in the world, dating back to 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of bronze statues to the people of Rome.
- The museum's collections are housed in two buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, which face each other across the Piazza del Campidoglio
- The museum's collections include ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, paintings, coins, and other artifacts, as well as medieval and Renaissance art and artifacts.
- One of the most famous pieces in the museum's collection is the Capitoline Wolf, a bronze statue of a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus that is an important symbol of Rome's founding myth.
- Other notable pieces in the museum's collection include the Dying Gaul, a Roman marble statue of a wounded warrior, and the Spinario, a bronze statue of a boy pulling a thorn from his foot.
Restaurants Near At Capitoline Museum
Located within the Capitoline Museums, Ristorante Dulcis in Fundo offers a charming and elegant dining experience. The restaurant takes its name from the Latin phrase "dulcis in fundo," which means "sweet at the end." It reflects their commitment to providing a memorable dining experience that concludes a visit to the museums on a high note.
Edoardo II is another restaurant nestled within the Capitoline Museums, known for its exquisite cuisine and sophisticated atmosphere. The establishment takes its name from the statue of Emperor Hadrian, known as Edoardo in Italian, which stands prominently in the museum's courtyard.
Ercoli Trastevere is a well-established restaurant located near the Capitoline Museums. With a history dating back to 1917, this family-run establishment has been serving locals and tourists alike for generations. Its enduring popularity is a testament to the quality of its food and the warm hospitality it offers.
In Roma - since 1917 is a historical restaurant situated near the Capitoline Museums. Like Ercoli Trastevere, it has a long-standing heritage that dates back over a century, making it a cherished dining destination in Rome.The restaurant's ambiance exudes a vintage charm, with nostalgic décor that pays homage to its rich history. In Roma - since 1917 specializes in traditional Roman cuisine, showcasing recipes that have been passed down through generations
Aventina is a modern restaurant located within the Capitoline Museums complex, offering visitors a contemporary dining experience. Named after the Aventine Hill, one of Rome's iconic seven hills, the restaurant captures the essence of innovation and elegance.
Places to Stay Near Capitoline Museums
Things to Do Near Capitoline Museums
The Colosseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre, is located in the heart of Rome, just east of the Roman Forum. Constructed between 70 and 80 AD, it was commissioned by Emperor Vespasian and completed by his son, Emperor Titus. The Colosseum was primarily used for gladiatorial contests, animal hunts, and other spectacles that entertained the Roman populace.
The Pantheon , whose name means "temple of all the gods," is one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings and an enduring symbol of Rome's rich history. It was originally built as a temple, dedicated to the pagan gods of ancient Rome, and later converted into a Christian church.The construction of the Pantheon dates back to 118-128 AD during the reign of the Emperor Hadrian. The architect is believed to be Apollodorus of Damascus, although there is some debate on this matter.
The Trevi Fountain, or Fontana di Trevi in Italian, is Rome's largest and most famous fountain. It stands at the junction of three streets, which is where its name originates. Designed by architect Nicola Salvi and completed by Giuseppe Pannini in 1762, the fountain is a stunning example of Baroque art and architecture. Cascading from the arch and surrounding the statues are a series of naturalistic rock formations, symbolizing the rugged nature of the sea. Water flows abundantly from multiple spouts, creating a mesmerizing display of movement and sound.
Piazza Venezia is a prominent and bustling square located in the heart of Rome, Italy. It is situated at the foot of the Capitoline Hill and serves as a major intersection for various roads, making it a hub of activity and a focal point for both locals and tourists.Piazza Venezia is named after the nearby Palazzo Venezia, a Renaissance palace that stands on one side of the square. The palace was originally built as a residence for Cardinal Pietro Barbo, who later became Pope Paul II.
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FAQs
Capitoline Museums are 289 years old, making it the oldest museums of on Rome
The Capitoline Museums were built by Gregory Canonico for Gian Pietro Caffarelli II.
Yes, skip-the-line tickets are worth it for visiting Capitoline Museums as it allows you an early access without you having to stand in a line for a long period of time.
The best mode of transportation to reach the Capitoline Museums are the metro and bus. They are cheap and easily accessible, with the nearest metro being Colosseo, which is on Line B. From Colosseo and the nearest bus stop being Piazza Venezia
The Capitoline Museums remain close on Chrtismas, New Year and Labor Day
No, The Capitoline Museums are not open on Christmas and New Year
No there no restaurants inside the Capitoline Museums
Yes, there are washroom and restroom facilities at the Capitoline Museums
There is no official dress code for visiting the Capitoline Museums in Rome. However, it is recommended to dress in a respectful manner.
