Welcome to the website dedicated to the Capitoline Museums, the oldest public museum in the world, located in the heart of Rome, on the magnificent Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo. Here art, history and culture meet in an extraordinary journey through the centuries.
What are the Capitoline Museums in Rome
The history of the Capitoline Museums began in 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of important ancient bronzes to the Roman people. This gesture marked the birth of the first public museum in history, a place designed to preserve and enhance the city’s artistic treasures.
Over the centuries, the collections have been enriched with masterpieces of sculpture, painting and archaeology, turning the Capitoline Museums into a must-see for art and history enthusiasts.
Visit the Capitoline Museums
Prepare your visit to see iconic works such as the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the Capitoline She-wolf, and the Capitoline Venus up close.
Explore the striking Renaissance palaces that house the collections and enjoy spectacular views of Rome from the Caffarelli Terrace.
Opening Hours
The Capitoline Museums are open year-round, with extended hours on some special occasions.
Regular opening hours are:
The last entry of visitors to the Capitoline Museums is one hour before closing time, which is 6:30 pm.
Overtime opening and closing times are:
Where the Capitoline Museums are located
The Capitoline Museums are located in Piazza del Campidoglio in the heart of Rome, easily reached by public transportation or on foot from the city’s main points of interest. This extraordinary complex is developed in the two Renaissance palaces that border the square designed by Michelangelo.
How to get to the Capitoline Museums
Visiting the Capitoline Museums is a unique experience that begins with the journey to reach them. The museums can be conveniently reached by various means of transportation. Here are all the detailed options:
What to see inside
of the Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums represent an authentic treasure trove of art and history, housing unique works that tell the story of Rome’s greatness. Highlights include the majestic equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, a symbol of power and wisdom, and the Capitoline She-wolf, an iconic representation of the legend of Romulus and Remus. As you stroll through the halls, you can discover ancient Roman inscriptions in the Lapidary Gallery, admire the poignant beauty of the Dying Galata, and be captivated by the frescoes in the Hall of Horatii and Curiatii. Complete the experience by visiting the Pinacoteca Capitolina, where works by Caravaggio and Titian will take you to the heart of Renaissance and Baroque art, and don’t forget to enjoy the breathtaking view of Rome from the striking Terrazza Caffarelli.
Where to sleep near the Capitoline Museums
If you want to visit the Capitoline Museums and fully enjoy the magic of Rome, you can choose to stay nearby. The neighborhoods around Piazza Venezia and the Capitol offer a wide range of options, from elegant boutique hotels to more economical solutions. For those looking for a more authentic experience, apartments and B&Bs located in Rome’s historic alleys are also available.
Where to eat near the Capitoline Museums
After a visit to the Capitoline Museums, treat yourself to a tasty break at one of the many restaurants or trattorias in the area. Nearby you will find places offering traditional Roman cuisine, pizzerias and modern bistros. Don’t miss the chance to savor specialties such as carbonara or amatriciana in a charming and welcoming setting.
Tickets for the Capitoline Museums
To access the Capitoline Museums, it is always recommended to book tickets online. This way, you can choose the time you prefer and save time by avoiding the queues at the entrance. Additional options, such as guided tours and audio guides, are also available to have a more in-depth experience and discover all the secrets of the museum.
You can cancel for free up to the day before the visit.
What to know before visiting the Capitoline Museums
Visiting the Capitoline Museums is a unique cultural and artistic experience. To make your visit as enjoyable and organized as possible, it is important to keep in mind some useful information and practical tips.
Tickets
Although not mandatory, booking tickets online is strongly recommended, especially during peak tourist season. This will allow you to choose the most convenient time and avoid long lines at the entrance. Options are available for self-guided tours or with expert guides who will take you on an in-depth tour of the museum’s masterpieces. For more information, click here.
Opening and closing hours
The Capitoline Museums are open almost year-round, with hours generally ranging from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Last admission is allowed one hour before closing. On national holidays, such as December 25 and January 1, the museums are closed. Always check the updated hours before planning your visit.
Handicapped accessibility
The Capitoline Museums are committed to providing access to their artistic and cultural heritage to as wide an audience as possible. Most areas are accessible by elevators, stair lifts and platforms, making the route easy for visitors with mobility difficulties. There are also tactile aids for the blind and visually impaired, and video content in LIS for deaf people. Admission is free for people with disabilities and a companion. For more details and updates, see the dedicated section on the official website.
Dress code and recommended attire
There is no specific dress code required in the Capitoline Museums, but it is always advisable to dress appropriately for the context. Since this is a place dedicated to art and culture, decent and respectful attire is especially appreciated. Avoid overly casual items, such as bathing suits or extremely informal clothing, and opt instead for comfortable but appropriate attire. Remember that you may have to walk for a long time, so favor comfortable shoes to best enjoy your visit.
Wardrobe
The checkroom service is free of charge and included in the ticket price. It is self-managed, allowing visitors to safely store bulky bags, backpacks, umbrellas and other items that could pose a risk to the protection of the works. Museum staff may ask you to deposit these items in the designated spaces to ensure the protection of the collections. Items left in storage must be picked up by museum closing time.
Backpacks, bags and strollers
For security and convenience, backpacks and large bags are not allowed inside the museum. You can use the free checkroom service located at the entrance to deposit your personal belongings. We recommend that you bring only the essentials, such as documents, water bottles, and electronic devices for audio guides. Strollers are also not allowed inside the museum complex.
Photos and videos
Taking photos and recording video is allowed inside the Capitoline Museums, as long as it is for personal or studio use. However, the use of tripods, selfie sticks or additional lights is not allowed, in order to protect the exhibits and ensure a peaceful visit for all visitors. Works displayed in temporary exhibitions are excluded from this possibility, and any filming of a professional nature, for profit or for dissemination purposes, requires permission. To apply for permission, you can see detailed information and the application form on the official website of the Capitoline Superintendency: Permission Form. For more details, visit the dedicated section on the Capitoline Superintendency’s website: Photographing Information.
Request to draw in the museum
To draw inside the Capitoline Museums, you must request free permission by filling out a special form, which must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. The request, made out to the Director, can be delivered to the museum ticket office or sent by mail, fax or e-mail to segreteria.museicapitolini@comune.roma.it. The authorization, which is valid only for the days and works indicated, does not waive the admission fee, if due, and must adhere to museum hours. The use of an easel, if necessary, must be specified in the request. During the drawing activity, visitors must follow the directions of the staff so as not to inconvenience other guests.
Duration of the visit
A full visit to the Capitoline Museums takes an average of 2-3 hours. If you intend to deepen your experience with a guide or explore all the sections at your leisure, we recommend that you dedicate at least half a day. This will allow you to appreciate every detail and also enjoy the splendid view of Rome from the Caffarelli Terrace.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have questions about the Capitoline Museums? Check out our FAQ section to find detailed answers to common questions, such as what the entrance fee includes, museum history, and so on.
The cost of a ticket for the Capitoline Museums varies depending on the rates and options available. The full price is usually around 15-17 euros, while there are reductions for students, young people under 26 and other categories. Combination tickets or guided tours can be purchased for a more complete experience.
A visit to the Capitoline Museums takes an average of 2-3 hours to explore the main collections. However, for those who wish to delve deeper into each section and enjoy the tour at their leisure, we recommend devoting at least half a day, including a stop at Terrazza Caffarelli to admire the view of Rome.
Admission to the Capitoline Museums is free every first Sunday of the month for all residents of Rome and the metropolitan area. In addition, certain categories, such as children under 6 and people with disabilities, are entitled to free admission at any time, subject to verification of requirements.