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Discover Rome's treasures at the world's oldest museum - The Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums in Rome, the world’s oldest public museums since 1471, are packed with amazing art and history. Explore the famous Capitoline Wolf statue of Romulus and Remus, the moving Dying Gaul sculpture, incredible paintings by Titian,...

Founded On

1734

Founded By

Pope Sixtus IV

RomeMusei CapitoliniAbout

Quick Information

ADDRESS

Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

09:30–19:30

VISITORS PER YEAR

500000

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD

30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

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Did you know?

Pope Sixtus IV, who established the Capitoline Museums in 1471, also commissioned the Sistine Chapel.

One of the museum's most renowned pieces is the Capitoline Wolf, a striking bronze statue depicting a she-wolf nursing the legendary twins Romulus and Remus, which serves as a powerful symbol of Rome's founding myth.

Michelangelo was the mastermind behind much of the design of the Capitoline Museums, including Palazzo Nuovo, but he passed away before the project was completed.

Trio of museums

Palazzo dei Conservatori

Adjacent to the Palazzo Senatorio, the Palazzo dei Conservatori showcases a collection of ancient Roman artifacts. Originally constructed for the city magistrates, Michelangelo transformed its façade in the 1530s, incorporating colossal pilasters and a grand portico. This building serves as a vibrant hub for art and history, with highlights like the Capitoline Wolf.

Visit Palazzo dei Conservatori
Palazzo Nuovo

The Palazzo Nuovo complements the Palazzo dei Conservatori, completing the symmetry of the Piazza del Campidoglio. Finished in 1654 and opened to the public in 1734, it houses an impressive array of classical sculptures, mirroring its neighbor's architectural style and further enriching the Capitoline Museums.

Explore Palazzo Nuovo
Palazzo Senatorio

The Palazzo Senatorio crowns the Capitoline Hill, originally built in the 13th and 14th centuries atop the ancient Tabularium. It serves as Rome's city hall today and features an impressive double staircase designed by Michelangelo, leading up to a façade adorned with Corinthian pilasters. 

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Notable artifacts and highlights

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Marcus Aurelius

The statue of Marcus Aurelius is an equestrian bronze honoring the Roman emperor renowned for his philosophical wisdom and stoic values. The statue gives off a sense of power and authority, with the emperor appearing larger than life. His outstretched hand mimics the gesture emperors used when speaking to their troops, adding to the commanding presence.

Lupa Capitolina

The Capitoline She-Wolf is a bronze statue housed in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. While it was long believed to be an Etruscan work, recent analysis of the casting technique suggests it may be of a later date. The sculpture portrays a she-wolf nurturing the legendary twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, who are credited with founding Rome.

Spinario

The Spinario is a small bronze statue that shows a young boy pulling a thorn from his foot. It arrived at the Capitoline Museums in 1471 as part of a donation by Pope Sixtus IV. Likely created in the 1st century BC, the sculpture blends earlier Hellenistic and Greek influences. During the Renaissance, it was one of the most admired and frequently copied ancient pieces.

Lion attacking a horse

The Lion attacking a horse statue is a marble sculpture from the Hellenistic era, displayed at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. It captures a dramatic struggle between a lion and a horse, showcasing intense emotion and dynamic movement. The piece has been on Capitoline Hill since at least the early 14th century.

Capitoline Venus

Discovered between 1666 and 1670 near the Basilica of San Vitale, this sculpture stands slightly larger than life. Crafted from exquisite marble, likely sourced from Paros, it portrays Venus looking a bit lost and empty as she exits her bath.

Dying Gaul

The Dying Gaul, also known as The Dying Galatian or The Dying Gladiator, is an ancient Roman marble statue that depicts a semi-reclining figure. This piece is a replica of a lost Greek sculpture from the Hellenistic era (323–31 BC), which is believed to have originally been crafted in bronze.

Cupid and Psyche

Located in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, the statue of Cupid and Psyche is a 1st or 2nd-century replica inspired by an earlier late Hellenistic original. Donated by Pope Benedict XIV after its discovery in 1749, it beautifully depicts the lovers entwined in a tender embrace.

Who built Musei Capitolini?

Musei Capitolini was officially founded by Pope Clement XII, making it the world’s first public museum. However, the collection began much earlier, in the 16th century, under Pope Sixtus IV, who donated a number of important ancient Roman bronze statues to the people of Rome. The architectural layout of the Capitoline Hill, where the museums are located, was designed by Michelangelo, the renowned Italian Renaissance artist known for his sculptures, paintings, and architectural designs, contributing to the cohesive layout of the buildings that house the collection.

Brief history of Musei Capitolini

  • Middle Ages: The Capitoline Hill becomes the center of civic life in Rome after a long period of decline following the fall of the Roman Empire.
  • 16th Century: Key sculptures like the gilded bronze statue of Hercules and the acrolith of Constantine are displayed on the hill. In 1538, Pope Paul III moves the famous equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius from the Lateran to the Capitoline.
  • 1654: The Palazzo Nuovo is built, expanding exhibition space for the growing collection in the Palazzo dei Conservatori.
  • 1734: Pope Clement XII officially opens the Capitoline Museums to the public, following the acquisition of Cardinal Albani’s statue and portrait collection.
  • Mid-18th Century: Pope Benedict XIV establishes the Capitoline Picture Gallery, merging the Sacchetti and Pio collections and expanding the museum’s holdings.
  • 1952-1957: The Braccio Nuovo and the Junction Gallery are added to the museum complex, showcasing ancient Latin and Greek inscriptions.
  • 1997: Major renovations lead to the temporary display of sculptures at the Montemartini Power Plant, while the museum complex undergoes transformation. New sections like the Capitoline Coin Cabinet and the Galleria Lapidaria are added.
  • Present day: The museum continues to expand, with new sections and spaces like the Roman Garden and exhibition areas, making it a fully integrated museum circuit.

Architecture and design of the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums, located on Rome's historic Capitoline Hill, bring together a fascinating blend of ancient and Renaissance architecture. Housed in three main buildings—the 15th-century Palazzo dei Conservatori, its 17th-century twin the Palazzo Nuovo, and the ancient Roman Tabularium—these structures create a unique harmony between different eras. Michelangelo himself had a hand in designing the square. As visitors climb the grand staircase, they're greeted by large historical reliefs, including scenes from the triumphs of Marcus Aurelius and Emperor Hadrian. On the top floor, intricately inlaid marble panels from the Basilica Iunii Bassi are displayed. Plus, the museums boast sweeping views of Rome—a perfect blend of art, history, and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Capitoline Museums

What are the must-see highlights if I’m short on time?

If you're short on time, don’t miss the iconic Capitoline Venus, the Dying Gaul, and the stunning mosaics in the Palazzo dei Conservatori. The view from the piazza is also a highlight!

Why are they called the Capitoline Museums?

The Capitoline Museums are named after their location on Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome and a symbolic center of Roman history and governance. The site has been historically significant since ancient times, serving as a religious and political hub.

How much time should I allocate for a visit to the Capitoline Museums?

Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours to fully appreciate the collections and exhibits.

Are the Capitoline Museums equipped with air conditioning?

Yes, the museums are air-conditioned for a comfortable visit!

Is the museum suitable for children?

Absolutely! The Capitoline Museums offer a variety of exhibits that can engage and entertain children.

Can I take photographs inside the museum?

Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but be sure to check for any specific restrictions.

How do I book tickets to visit the museum?

Tickets for the museum can be purchased online or in person at the ticket office.We recommend booking ahead of time to avoid long lines and ensure availability.

What makes the Capitoline Museums unique?

They are the world's first public museum and house iconic works like the Capitoline Wolf and Dying Gaul. Their Michelangelo-designed architecture adds to the experience.

Are the museums only about ancient art?

No, they also feature medieval, Renaissance, and modern art, as well as numismatic collections.

More reads

Plan your visit

Palazzo Nuovo

Capitoline Wolf