Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums, located in Rome’s Piazza del Campidoglio, are the world’s first public museum, established in 1734. They house an extensive collection of Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art, featuring iconic pieces like the Capitoline Wolf and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius.
Location:
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1
Built by:
Founded by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471. The project was completed between the 16th and 17th centuries (architects Giacomo della Porta and Girolamo Rainaldi).
What to see:
Statue of Marcus Aurelius, Capitoline Wolf, Pinacoteca Capitolina
Opening hours:
09:30 – 19:30 (last admission about 18:30)
Transport:
Metro station: Colosseo (B and C. Bus: Piazza Venezia / Ara Coeli include: 40, 60, 64, 70, 81, 87, 170, H.)
The Capitoline Museums, located in the heart of Rome on the historic Piazza del Campidoglio, represent a cornerstone of the city’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. Established in 1734 under the auspices of Pope Clement XII, these museums are renowned as the first public museum in the world, offering access to art and antiquities for all, rather than just the privileged few. The museums are housed in two main buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, both of which are architectural masterpieces designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti.
The Capitoline Museums boast an extensive collection that spans several millennia, encompassing Roman, medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art. Among the highlights are the iconic bronze statue of the Capitoline Wolf, the majestic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the celebrated Pinacoteca Capitolina, which features works by masters such as Caravaggio and Tiziano. As part of the System of Museums in Rome, the Capitoline Museums continue to serve as a vital cultural institution, preserving and showcasing the artistic legacy of Rome for future generations.
The Capitoline Museums, a cornerstone of Rome’s cultural and historical heritage, offer visitors a comprehensive journey through time, art, and architecture. As one of the world’s oldest public museums, they house an extensive collection of art and artifacts that span several centuries. Visitors can explore a multitude of sections, each with its own unique architectural and artistic significance. From the grandeur of the ancient sculptures to the intricate details of Renaissance paintings, the museums provide a rich tapestry of history and culture. Notable highlights include the majestic statue of Marcus Aurelius, the iconic Capitoline Wolf, and the extensive Pinacoteca Capitolina. These collections are housed within architecturally significant buildings that themselves tell stories of Rome’s evolution over the centuries.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori, located on the right side of Piazza del Campidoglio, is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Originally designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the building features a striking facade with Corinthian columns and a harmonious blend of medieval and Renaissance elements. Visitors entering the palace are greeted by a grand courtyard, where fragments of the colossal statue of Constantine I are displayed. This courtyard serves as a testament to Rome’s imperial past, showcasing a blend of ancient and Renaissance art.
Inside, the Palazzo dei Conservatori houses the Appartamento dei Conservatori, a series of rooms adorned with frescoes depicting scenes from Roman history. These frescoes, created by artists such as Giuseppe Cesari, celebrate Rome’s legendary past and its heroes. The Sala degli Orazi e Curiazi, a highlight of the palace, is often used for official ceremonies and is renowned for its historic significance, having hosted the signing of the Treaty of Rome in 1957.
Facing the Palazzo dei Conservatori, the Palazzo Nuovo was constructed in the 17th century, completing the symmetrical layout of Michelangelo’s piazza design. Its facade mirrors that of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, creating a cohesive architectural ensemble. The interior of Palazzo Nuovo is home to an impressive collection of Roman sculptures, including the famed Dying Gaul and the Capitoline Venus. These sculptures are displayed in a series of elegantly decorated rooms, each offering a glimpse into the artistic achievements of ancient Rome.
The Sala del Fauno, named after the striking red marble statue of a faun, is a particularly notable space within the Palazzo Nuovo. This room, along with the Sala degli Imperatori, which features busts of Roman emperors, allows visitors to explore the evolution of Roman portraiture and the representation of power and authority throughout the empire.
The Pinacoteca Capitolina, located on the second floor of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, is a treasure trove of Renaissance and Baroque paintings. Established in the 18th century, the gallery boasts works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Peter Paul Rubens. Each painting is meticulously curated to highlight the artistic movements and historical contexts of its time, providing visitors with an in-depth understanding of European art history.
Among the gallery’s most celebrated pieces is Caravaggio’s “Saint John the Baptist,” which exemplifies the artist’s mastery of chiaroscuro and emotional depth. The Pinacoteca’s collection is not only a visual feast but also an educational experience, offering insights into the techniques and themes that defined the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
The Galleria Lapidaria, a subterranean passage connecting the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, is dedicated to the display of ancient inscriptions and epigraphs. This gallery provides a unique opportunity for visitors to engage with the written history of Rome, showcasing a variety of inscribed stones that document everything from public decrees to personal dedications.
The inscriptions offer a tangible connection to the past, revealing the administrative and social aspects of Roman life. The gallery’s design, with its dim lighting and stone walls, creates an atmosphere of reverence and reflection, allowing visitors to appreciate the enduring legacy of Rome’s written word.
The Esedra di Marco Aurelio is a modern addition to the Capitoline Museums, providing a protective and climate-controlled environment for the original bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius. This space, inaugurated in 2005, is designed to highlight the statue’s grandeur and historical importance. The equestrian statue, one of the few surviving bronze statues from antiquity, is a symbol of imperial Rome and a testament to the skill of ancient artisans.
In addition to the statue of Marcus Aurelius, the Esedra houses other significant artifacts, including the bronze Hercules from the Forum Boarium. The architectural design of the Esedra, with its glass walls and open layout, allows for natural light to illuminate the sculptures, enhancing their visual impact and creating a dynamic viewing experience for visitors.
The Capitoline Museums, with their rich collections and architecturally significant spaces, offer a comprehensive exploration of Rome’s artistic and historical legacy. Each section of the museums provides unique insights into different periods of Roman history, making it an essential destination for anyone interested in the cultural heritage of the Eternal City.
The origins of the Capitoline Museums can be traced back to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV made a groundbreaking donation of bronze statues to the people of Rome. This collection, which included the iconic Capitoline Wolf, was initially housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori. This act of generosity by Sixtus IV laid the foundation for what would become the world’s first public museum, emphasizing the importance of making art accessible to all.
Over the following decades, the collection grew with contributions from subsequent popes, including Pope Paul III and Pope Pius V, who sought to remove pagan sculptures from the Vatican. The construction of the Palazzo Nuovo in 1654 provided additional space to accommodate the expanding collection, allowing for a more comprehensive display of Roman sculptures, inscriptions, and other antiquities.
The transformation of the Capitoline Museums into a public institution occurred in 1734 under the auspices of Pope Clement XII. Recognizing the cultural and educational value of the collection, Clement XII acquired the prestigious antiquities collection of Cardinal Alessandro Albani, which was at risk of being sold to foreign collectors. By opening the museum to the public, Clement XII not only safeguarded these treasures for Rome but also established a precedent for the preservation and public accessibility of cultural heritage.
This period marked a significant shift in the role of museums, from private collections accessible only to the elite, to public institutions that served as centers of learning and appreciation of art. The acquisition of the Albani collection was particularly noteworthy as it included a wealth of sculptures that enriched the museum’s offerings and reinforced its status as a premier repository of Roman art.
The late 18th and early 19th centuries presented challenges for the Capitoline Museums, particularly during the French occupation of Rome. Several key works, including the Dying Gaul and the Capitoline Venus, were taken to France following the Treaty of Tolentino in 1796. However, thanks to the efforts of Antonio Canova and the resolutions of the Congress of Vienna, many of these works were eventually returned to Rome, reaffirming the museums’ resilience and commitment to cultural preservation.
The early 20th century saw further expansions and enhancements to the museum complex. The addition of the Galleria Lapidaria in the 1930s, a subterranean gallery connecting the Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, provided a dedicated space for the display of inscriptions and epigraphs. This period also witnessed the incorporation of the adjacent Palazzo Caffarelli, further extending the museum’s exhibition space and allowing for a more comprehensive presentation of its diverse collections.
In recent decades, the Capitoline Museums have continued to evolve, embracing modern museological practices and expanding their reach through innovative initiatives. In 1997, a new branch was established at the Centrale Montemartini, an industrial archaeology site that now houses a unique blend of classical sculptures and industrial machinery. This innovative fusion of spaces highlights the museums’ commitment to exploring new ways of engaging with audiences and presenting their collections.
The early 21st century brought significant renovations and expansions, including the inauguration of the Esedra di Marco Aurelio in 2005, which provided a new home for the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. These developments, coupled with ongoing efforts to digitize and make the collections accessible online, underscore the Capitoline Museums’ dedication to preserving their rich heritage while adapting to the demands of a modern audience.
Visitors approaching the Capitoline Museums will find themselves in the historic Piazza del Campidoglio, a masterpiece designed by Michelangelo Buonarroti. This iconic square offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding cityscape, making it a perfect starting point for a cultural exploration of Rome. The museums are housed in two main buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, both of which are accessible from the square. The architectural harmony and historical significance of the piazza set the tone for the rich artistic and archaeological treasures housed within the museums.
Upon arrival, visitors will notice the grandeur of the Cordonata, a gently sloping staircase leading up to the piazza, which is flanked by statues of Castor and Pollux. This approach not only enhances the sense of anticipation but also provides a seamless transition from the bustling city below to the serene environment of the museums. The Capitoline Museums are a key part of the Sistema Musei di Roma Capitale, and their central location makes them easily accessible via public transportation, with the nearest metro station being Colosseo.
Once inside, visitors can explore a vast collection that spans several floors, offering a comprehensive journey through Roman, Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque art and history. The museums are renowned for housing some of the most significant artifacts from ancient Rome, including the iconic Lupa Capitolina and the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius. The collection is meticulously curated to provide insights into the cultural and historical context of the exhibits, making it an educational experience for all ages.
The museums are ticketed, providing access to both permanent collections and special exhibitions. Visitors are encouraged to take their time exploring the various galleries, each offering a unique perspective on different historical periods. The Pinacoteca Capitolina is particularly noteworthy for its impressive array of paintings by masters such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Rubens. Additionally, the museums offer a variety of guided tours and educational programs, enhancing the visitor experience by providing deeper insights into the collections.
To make the most of a visit to the Capitoline Museums, it is advisable to allocate several hours to fully appreciate the extensive collections. Comfortable footwear is recommended due to the size of the museums and the amount of walking involved. Photography is generally permitted, but visitors should be mindful of specific restrictions in certain areas, especially where flash photography is prohibited to protect the artworks.
For those interested in a broader cultural itinerary, the museums’ location on the Capitoline Hill makes them an ideal starting point for exploring nearby attractions such as the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. The museums also offer a panoramic terrace with stunning views of Rome, providing a perfect spot for reflection and photography. Visitors are encouraged to check the availability of temporary exhibitions and special events, which often provide additional layers of interest and context to the permanent collections.
Capitoline Museums: your opinions and comments
Have you visited this monument? What does it mean to you? What advice would you give to a tourist?
Tours
from 10 €
30 m
from 82 €
2 h
from 22 €
1 h
from 12 €
40 m
