by Museums in Rome: Rome is famed for being a vast open-air museum, but occasionally, you might encounter some rain. While the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, the Baths of Caracalla, and the Fori Imperiali boulevard are must-see attractions, rainy weather can be a common sight, especially in the fall. On such days, aside from enjoying a warm coffee or a meal at a local bistro, visiting one of Rome’s many museums is a perfect way to spend your time. Fortunately, Rome boasts an impressive array of museums that can brighten even the dreariest of days.
Although numerous sites in Rome, including archaeological parks, churches, and palaces, can be considered museums, this guide aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Rome’s exhibitions, whether they are permanent collections or temporary art and history showcases.
Must-See Museums in Rome
Capitoline Museums
As Rome’s premier museum, the Capitoline Museums are dedicated to the city’s rich history, extending back to its Etruscan roots. Established in 1471 following Pope Sixtus IV’s donation of ancient bronze statues, including the famed she-wolf sculpture, the Capitoline Museums are among the world’s oldest public galleries. For anyone interested in Roman history, this museum is an essential starting point.
Location: Piazza del Campidoglio 1
Hours: Daily 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
Admission: €16
Museo Nazionale Romano in Diocletian Baths
The Museo Nazionale Romano is a Roman museum distributed across multiple locations, including its venue in Diocletian’s Baths near Stazione Termini. This particular site houses one of the most extensive collections of classical Roman artifacts, including terracotta jars, amphorae, daily tools, mosaic pieces, and remnants of pagan temples dedicated to the Persian god Mithra. History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring this vast museum, which also features parts of the Baths of Diocletian itself.
Location: Via Enrico de Nicola 78
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €8
Vatican Museums
Although officially within the Vatican State, the Vatican Museums are undeniably one of Rome’s top attractions. Spanning five centuries of Vatican history and art, the museum showcases masterpieces like Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, Raphael’s frescoes, and the Gallery of Maps. The Carriages Pavilion, featuring historical pope vehicles, is another unique attraction. Booking in advance is required, either through the official website, a skip-the-line ticket, or a private tour.
Location: Viale Vaticano
Hours: Monday to Saturday 9 am – 6 pm. Last Sunday of the month 9 am – 2 pm
Admission: €17. Free on the last Sunday of the month.
Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi
Situated between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Piazza Navona, Palazzo Braschi, once the residence of Pope Pius VI’s nephew, is now the Museum of Rome. The museum offers a thematic journey through paintings depicting Rome’s history and society across three floors, with the first floor dedicated to temporary exhibitions.
Location: Piazza di San Pantaleo 10
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 7 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €9.50
Centrale Montemartini
A branch of the Capitoline Museums, Centrale Montemartini is a highlight of the Ostiense district. This unique museum, set in a former power plant, juxtaposes industrial machinery with classical Roman and Greek art, including sculptures, paintings, and sarcophagi. Notable exhibits include pieces from Julius Caesar’s villa and other ancient Roman gardens.
Location: Via Ostiense 106
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 7 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €10
Trajan’s Markets – Museo dei Fori Imperiali
Opened to the public in 2007, Trajan’s Markets is a must-visit for anyone interested in Rome’s imperial history. Located next to the Trajan Column, the museum features relics, decorations, and multimedia installations that vividly recreate the grandeur of the imperial fora. The ticket also grants access to Trajan’s Forum.
Location: Via Quattro Novembre 94
Hours: Daily 9:30 am – 7:30 pm
Admission: €13
Palazzo Barberini Galleria Corsini – Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica
Located in Via delle Quattro Fontane near Piazza Barberini, the Palazzo Barberini, once the residence of a prominent Roman family, now hosts the Galleria Nazionale di Arte Antica and Galleria Corsini. Visitors can admire works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael, including the famed La Fornarina painting.
Location: Via delle Quattro Fontane 13
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 6 pm
Admission: €12
Galleria Borghese
Nestled within the Villa Borghese park, the Galleria Borghese was built by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, a renowned art collector. The gallery features masterpieces by artists like Bernini, Titian, and Raphael. Tickets can be purchased online, including options for guided tours and access to the private gardens.
Location: Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 7 pm
Admission: €13
ETRU Museo Nazionale Etrusco
The National Etruscan Museum, located in the Renaissance Villa Giulia and Villa Poniatowski, is dedicated to the pre-Roman Etruscan civilization. The museum boasts a vast collection of 6,000 artifacts, with exhibits that are engaging and accessible, particularly for groups of ten or more.
Location: Piazzale di Villa Giulia 9
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 8 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €10
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea
Adjacent to Villa Borghese, the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art holds Italy’s largest collection of 19th and 20th-century art. It includes works from various modern art movements and local 20th-century trends, with around 20,000 pieces on display.
Location: Viale delle Belle Arti 131
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 7 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €10
Vittoriano Complex and Risorgimento Museum
Dominating Piazza Venezia, the Vittoriano Complex, also known as the Altar of the Fatherland, was built in honor of Italy’s first king, Vittorio Emanuele II. The complex houses the Risorgimento Museum and the remains of the Unknown Soldier. The ticket allows access to both the Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia.
Location: Piazza Venezia and Via di San Pietro in Carcere
Hours: Daily 9:30 am – 7:30 pm, extended hours on Friday and Saturday, and Sunday
Admission: €12
Palazzo Altemps
A 16th-century residence of Cardinal Marco Sittico Altemps, Palazzo Altemps is part of the Museo Nazionale Romano and showcases collections of ancient art, including Roman sculptures, frescoes, and Egyptian relics.
Location: Piazza Sant’Apollinare 46
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €8 for one venue, €12 for all four venues of the Museo Nazionale Romano
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme – Museo Nazionale Romano
Located near Termini Station, Palazzo Massimo features Roman art and artifacts, including sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics. The museum offers a glimpse into how ancient Romans decorated their homes with vibrant colors and intricate artworks.
Location: Largo di Villa Peretti 2
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €8 for one venue, €12 for all four venues of the Museo Nazionale Romano
Galleria d’Arte Moderna
Set in a former cloister in Via Francesco Crispi, the Gallery of Modern Art focuses on 19th and 20th-century Italian art. The collection includes works by artists such as Carrà and de Chirico, reflecting the city’s new art movements.
Location: Via Francesco Crispi 24
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am – 6:30 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €9
Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant’Angelo has served various purposes over the centuries. Today, it offers insights into the medieval and Renaissance periods, featuring collections of ceramics, sculptures, and weapons.
Location: Lungotevere Castello 50
Hours: Daily 9 am – 7:30 pm. Closed on January 1st, May 1st, and December 25th
Admission: €15
Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Often compared to Versailles, Galleria Doria Pamphilj is a grand palace featuring a private art collection of the Pamphilj family. The opulent interiors showcase masterpieces by Caravaggio, Titian, and Raphael.
Location: Via del Corso 305
Hours: Monday to Thursday 9 am – 6 pm, Friday to Sunday 10 am – 7 pm
Admission: €12
Ara Pacis Museum
Located near the Augustus Mausoleum, the Ara Pacis
Museum houses the Ara Pacis Augustae, an altar dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. The museum offers detailed exhibitions and historical context about ancient Rome’s celebrations of peace.
Location: Lungotevere in Augusta
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 7 pm
Admission: €12
Galleria Spada
A baroque gem, Galleria Spada is renowned for its collection of art and a remarkable optical illusion in the Palazzo Spada’s courtyard. The gallery’s collection includes works by Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and other Baroque masters.
Location: Piazza Capo di Ferro 13
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 8:30 am – 7:30 pm
Admission: €6
Museo della Civiltà Romana
Situated in the EUR district, Museo della Civiltà Romana focuses on Rome’s ancient civilization with reconstructions of historical monuments and artifacts. The museum also includes a replica of the Roman Forum and the Imperial Fora.
Location: Piazzale Guglielmo Marconi 14
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 9 am – 7 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €8
National Museum of Musical Instruments
Part of the Museo Nazionale Romano, this museum is dedicated to musical instruments from various historical periods. It features an impressive collection of ancient and modern instruments, including those from Roman times.
Location: Piazza San Lorenzo in Lucina 6
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday 11 am – 6 pm. Closed on Monday
Admission: €8 for one venue, €12 for all four venues of the Museo Nazionale Romano
These museums offer a diverse range of experiences, allowing you to explore Rome’s rich cultural heritage even on rainy days. Whether you’re interested in ancient history, classical art, or modern collections, Rome’s museums promise a captivating visit.
