Best Museums in Rome: What to See and Which Ones Are Worth Visiting
Rome has a huge number of museums, covering everything from ancient Roman history and archaeology to modern art.
You do not need to visit every museum in Rome. The best choice depends on what you are interested in and how much time you want to spend indoors.
Make your trip to Rome easier with a tailor-made Itinerary
Which Museums in Rome Should You Visit?
Vatican Museums
The Vatican Museums are a vast collection of museums and galleries in Vatican City, home to one of the world’s most important collections of art and historical objects. The collections include ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, Egyptian and Etruscan artifacts, Renaissance paintings, tapestries, maps, frescoes, and works by artists such as Raphael, Michelangelo, and Caravaggio. The visit also includes the Sistine Chapel, famous for Michelangelo’s ceiling frescoes and The Last Judgment. The museums are very large, so seeing everything in one visit is not realistic. Allow several hours if you want to see the main highlights without rushing. They can also be extremely busy, particularly during peak travel periods.
If the Vatican Museums are a priority for your trip, book your tickets in advance and check the official opening hours before you go.
National Roman Museum
The National Roman Museum is actually made up of four different museums in Rome: Palazzo Massimo, the Baths of Diocletian, Palazzo Altemps, and Crypta Balbi. The collections focus mainly on ancient Roman history and archaeology, with sculptures, mosaics, frescoes, and other archaeological finds. Each location is different, so check what is on display before deciding which one you want to visit.
This museum also offers online tickets through the official ticketing system, while tickets can also be purchased at the museums, subject to availability.
Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are a good choice if you want to learn more about ancient Rome while also seeing important works of art. The collection includes ancient Roman sculptures, paintings, and archaeological objects. The museums are located on Capitoline Hill, close to the Roman Forum and Piazza Venezia. The location is also part of the experience. The museums are housed in historic buildings around Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo.
You can buy a ticket on the same day, but booking online in advance is recommended if you want to secure your visit and avoid waiting at the ticket office.
Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is one of the best choices in Rome if you are interested in sculpture and Renaissance and Baroque art. The collection includes works by Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael, among others.
Unlike some of Rome's larger museums, the gallery is relatively small. Booking ahead is strongly recommended. These are among the most popular museums in Rome, and tickets for specific entry times can sell out. The gallery is located inside Villa Borghese, which also makes it easy to spend some time in the park before or after your visit.
Castel Sant'Angelo
Castel Sant'Angelo is both a historic building and a museum. Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, it was later used as a fortress and papal residence. Inside, you can see historic rooms, artwork, and military features.
One of the main reasons to visit is the view from the upper levels over Rome and the Tiber. It is also close to Vatican City, so it can be a convenient stop when exploring that part of Rome.
MAXXI
MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st Century Arts, is dedicated to contemporary art and architecture. The building itself is also an important part of the visit. Designed by architect Zaha Hadid, it has large open spaces, curved walls, suspended walkways, and striking modern architecture.
Check the current exhibitions before you visit, as the displays change throughout the year. MAXXI also sells tickets online through its official website, or you can buy them at the museum’s ticket office.
Photo by tommao wang on Unsplash