Capitoline Museums Rome – Tickets and Guide
Capitoline Museums Rome – Tickets and Guide
Tourist Information for visiting the Musei Capitolini Rome
The Capitoline Museums in Rome are the world’s oldest public museums. Located on Capitoline Hill, they house a vast collection of ancient Roman sculptures, including the famous Lupa Capitolina, a symbol of Rome.
Today, these museums remain an important cultural institution, showcasing Rome’s rich cultural heritage to visitors from around the world.
In this article you will find everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Capitoline Museums Rome – General Information |
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Location |
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy |
Opening Times |
Monday to Sunday 9:30AM – 7:30PM (last admission 6:30PM) |
Entry and Tickets |
Entry ticket + Exhibition €22. Free for under 6. (Book Tickets Online) |
Table of Contents
Visiting the Capitoline Museums Rome
If you go up the Campidoglio steps, you will see three buildings in Piazza Campidoglio: Palazzo dei Conservatori on the right, Palazzo Senatorio straight ahead, and Palazzo Nuovo on the left. These buildings are connected by an underground corridor.
To enter the Capitoline Museums, you must head to the Palazzo dei Conservatori building first and go through security. As with any other museum in Rome, larger bags or umbrellas must be left at the cloakroom service, which is free of charge.
You cannot enter with food or drinks but once inside, there is a cafeteria with external access from the Campidoglio steps.
Top Tip » Even if you don’t have time to visit the museums, you can still access the cafeteria and rooftop, called Terrazza Caffarelli, for free, allowing you to enjoy impressive views of Rome.
Make sure to grab a map when you enter, as the many rooms and underground passages may be a bit confusing.
Capitoline Museums Rome Tickets and Tours |
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Generally speaking, the Capitoline Museums aren’t as busy as other museums in Rome, such as the Vatican Museums. However my recommendation for peace of mind in Rome and to avoid disappointment, especially during peak season, is always to pre-book tickets online. Entry TicketEntry Ticket + Multimedia Experience |
Capitoline Museums Guided TourPowered by GetYourGuide
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Pro Tip » If you are also planning to visit other landmarks, such as the Colosseum or Castel Sant’Angelo, you may want to consider booking the Roma Pass to save some time and money. You can check more information about the different card options on my Rome City Passes page. |
What to see at Capitoline Museums Rome
Here’s a list of what you can’t miss when you visit the Capitoline Museums:
Palazzo dei Conservatori
The interior of this part of the museums is decorated with frescoes that tell the history of Rome. You’ll come across famous ancient bronzes like the Capitoline She-wolf and the Capitoline Brutus.
On the first floor of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, there’s a huge glass room with the original equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius.
Palazzo Senatorio
The highlight of this part of the museums is undoubtedly the Tabularium, which was used to store the laws and official records of the Roman State.
Explore its ancient corridors, fragments, and statues, and get your camera ready, as it offers stunning views of the Roman Forum.
Palazzo Nuovo
This part of the museums has an incredible collection from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and ancient Greek and Roman periods.
My personal favourites were the sculptures of the Capitoline Gaul, the Capitoline Venus, and the Marforio in the courtyard, as well as the collection of Bernini pieces.
Palazzo Clementino Caffarelli
This palace is used for temporary exhibitions and houses an extensive collection of coins and medals. However, in my opinion, one of the main highlights is the café on the Terrazza Caffarelli, which offers stunning views.
History of Musei Capitolini
The Capitoline Museums Rome, also known as ‘Musei Capitolini‘ in Italian, are located at Piazza del Campidoglio, a square designed by Michelangelo.
Their name originates from their geographical location on the Capitoline Hill, the highest of Rome’s Seven Hills. They are considered one of the oldest museums in the world.
At the centre of the piazza, you will find a a copy of the equestrian statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius held in the Capitoline Museums.
The museums trace their origins to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of bronze statues to the Romans. Over the centuries, various popes and collectors expanded the collection, and in 1734, Pope Clement XII opened the museums to the public.
You can find further information on the official website.
Location of Capitoline Museums Rome and How to Get There
You can easily reach the museums on foot as it is only a few meters away from the Roman Forum and Colosseum. If you prefer to use public transportation:
For detailed information about public transport prices and travel passes check my Rome transport page.
It’s worth noting that there is a few Hop On Hop Off tourist buses in Rome that will stop near the Capitoline Museums.
FAQs
Can I bring food and drink to the Capitoline Museums Rome?
No, entering with food or drink isn’t allowed. However you can find a cafeteria inside which is also accessible from the Campidoglio steps.
Can I enter with a bag/backpack into the Capitoline Museums Rome?
Yes, you can enter the Musei Capitolini with a bag as long as it is small in size. Larger bags must be left at the cloakroom, which is free of charge.
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