Visit the Capitoline Museums

Claim to Fame

The Capitoline Museums are the world’s oldest public museums, housing some of Rome’s most iconic ancient artifacts — including the original bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius and the legendary Capitoline Wolf.

📌 Navigating Capitoline Museums : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Admission Fee: Admission fees vary, with discounts available for students, seniors, and children; check the official website for current rates.
How Long to Visit: Most visitors spend about 2 to 3 hours exploring the museum's extensive collections.
Washrooms: Washrooms are available within the museum for visitor convenience.
Hours of Operation: The museum is typically open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily, with extended hours during peak seasons.
Important Information: It is recommended to book tickets in advance online to avoid long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Handicap Accessible: The museum is handicap accessible, with ramps and elevators to facilitate movement throughout the exhibits.
Pets: Pets are not allowed inside the museum, except for service animals.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available in multiple languages, providing in-depth insights into the museum's collections.
Restaurant or Cafe: There is a cafe on-site serving light meals and refreshments, perfect for a break during your visit.
Gift Shop: The gift shop features a variety of souvenirs, art books, and reproductions related to the museum's collections.
Parking: Parking is limited around the Capitoline Museums, with nearby public garages available for a fee.
Family Friendly: The Capitoline Museums are family-friendly, offering educational programs and activities for children.
Photography: Photography is allowed in most areas, but flash and tripods are prohibited to protect the artworks.
WIFI: Free WIFI access is offered throughout the museum for visitors.
Picnic Area: There is no designated picnic area within the museum premises.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Capitoline Museums

Perched atop Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) are a treasure trove of Roman art, sculpture, and archaeology. Founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV, they are considered the first museums in history open to the public. The collection spans two palaces linked by an underground gallery, offering visitors a walk through over 2,000 years of Roman civilization.

With masterpieces ranging from ancient bronzes and marble statues to Renaissance paintings, this museum complex is an essential stop for anyone serious about Rome’s artistic and historical legacy.

What to Expect

The Capitoline Museums consist of Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, both facing the elegant Piazza del Campidoglio designed by Michelangelo. You’ll see the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, Capitoline Venus, and the Capitoline Wolf — the she-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus, a symbol of the city itself.

The museums also house classical busts, frescoes, mosaics, and Renaissance artworks by painters such as Caravaggio and Titian. The underground Galleria Lapidaria links the palaces and provides a scenic view of the Roman Forum.

Background and Cultural Context

The Capitoline Museums were created when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of bronze statues to the people of Rome, laying the foundation for a civic museum rather than a private collection. Over time, popes, noble families, and the city itself contributed to the growing collection.

Capitoline Hill was the religious and political heart of ancient Rome, making it a fitting home for a museum that preserves and interprets the city's rich cultural narrative.

Best Time to Visit

Mornings (right after opening) are best for avoiding crowds. Weekdays, particularly Tuesdays and Thursdays, tend to be quieter. The museum is indoors, making it a good option during hot or rainy days in Rome.

How to Get There

The Capitoline Museums are located on Piazza del Campidoglio, a short walk from the Colosseo, Roman Forum, and Piazza Venezia. Buses and trams stop nearby at Piazza Venezia, or you can walk from Colosseo Metro Station (Line B).

Photo Opportunities

The Michelangelo-designed piazza and grand staircases

Indoor views of the Capitoline Wolf, Marcus Aurelius, and Dying Gaul

Stunning views of the Roman Forum from the museum’s café terrace

Beautiful lighting on sculptures through high-arched windows

Travel Tips

Book tickets in advance to skip the line, especially in peak seasons.

Use the museum app or grab an audio guide for in-depth background.

The terrace café offers one of the best panoramic views in central Rome.

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a full visit.

FAQs

Is photography allowed?
Yes, non-flash photography is permitted in most areas of the museum.

Is the museum accessible?
Yes — there are elevators and accessible entrances, though some older areas may be narrow or uneven.

Can I buy tickets on-site?
Yes, but booking online is highly recommended to avoid queues.

Final Thoughts

The Capitoline Museums are a bridge between ancient and modern Rome — a place where legends, emperors, gods, and artists all reside under one roof. Whether you're an art enthusiast or a history lover, this is where Rome’s past speaks with elegance and clarity.

Featured Image

View of the exterior of the Capitoline Museums — an a collection of art and archaeological museums in rome.

📍 Verified & Trusted Contact Information for Capitoline Museums

Contact: Capitoline Museums

Address:
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM

Telephone: +39 06 0608

Official Website: museicapitolini.org/en

Latitude: 41.8925

Longitude: 12.4917

Things To Do near Capitoline Museums

Colosseum
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Colosseum is 0.5 Kilometer(s) / 0.3 Mile(s)

Roman Forum
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Roman Forum is 0.8 Kilometer(s) / 0.5 Mile(s)

Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain is 1.9 Kilometer(s) / 1.2 Mile(s)

Pantheon
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Pantheon is 2.3 Kilometer(s) / 1.4 Mile(s)

Spanish Steps
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Spanish Steps is 2.7 Kilometer(s) / 1.7 Mile(s)

Villa Borghese gardens
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Villa Borghese gardens is 3.7 Kilometer(s) / 2.3 Mile(s)

Appian Way
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Appian Way is 4 Kilometer(s) / 2.5 Mile(s)

St. Peter's Basilica
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to St. Peter's Basilica is 5.3 Kilometer(s) / 3.3 Mile(s)

Admire the Sistine Chapel
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Admire the Sistine Chapel is 5.3 Kilometer(s) / 3.3 Mile(s)

Vatican Museums
The Distance from Capitoline Museums to Vatican Museums is 5.5 Kilometer(s) / 3.4 Mile(s)

📘 Rome Visitors Travel Information
Time Zone: Rome operates on Central European Time (CET), which is UTC +1. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Central European Summer Time (CEST), UTC +2.
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Population: Rome has a population of about 2.8 million people, making it the largest city in Italy and the fourth most populous in the European Union. The city’s metropolitan area is home to over 4 million residents.
Size: Rome covers an area of approximately 1,285 square kilometers (496 square miles), making it one of the largest cities in Europe by land area. It is located in the Lazio region of central Italy, along the Tiber River.
Language: Italian is the official language spoken in Rome. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants, but less so in residential neighborhoods or local markets.
Currency: The official currency in Rome is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, though cash is often preferred in smaller establishments. ATMs are easily accessible throughout the city.
Safety: Rome is generally safe for tourists. Petty crime, especially pickpocketing, is common in crowded areas such as Termini Station, buses, and tourist sites. Visitors should stay alert and safeguard belongings.
Tipping: Tipping in Rome is appreciated but not obligatory. A small tip of 5–10% is common in restaurants if service is not included. It is also customary to round up taxi fares or leave a euro or two for hotel staff.
Electricity and Plugs: Italy uses 230V electricity at 50Hz. Plug types C, F, and L are standard. Travelers from other regions may need a plug adapter and possibly a voltage converter for certain electronics.
Water: Tap water in Rome is safe to drink. The city is known for its high-quality water, and public fountains known as “nasoni” provide free, clean drinking water throughout the city.
Annual Visitors: Rome receives more than 10 million international visitors annually. Tourists are drawn by world-famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, Vatican City, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum.
Visa Requirements: Most travelers from the EU, U.S., Canada, Australia, and many other countries can enter Italy for up to 90 days without a visa. A valid passport is required for all foreign visitors.
Health & Vaccinations: No specific vaccinations are required to enter Italy. Travelers should be current on routine vaccines such as measles, tetanus, and influenza. Health services in Rome are of a high standard.
Transportation: Rome’s public transportation includes buses, trams, and three metro lines. Tickets are valid across all systems within a 100-minute window. Walking is also an excellent way to explore the city’s historic core.
Food: Roman cuisine is rooted in tradition and simplicity. Popular dishes include pasta carbonara, amatriciana, cacio e pepe, and Roman-style artichokes. Food markets and trattorias provide authentic local experiences.
Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Romans are generally warm and expressive. It’s customary to greet with a handshake or cheek kiss among friends. Respect for history, culture, and religious sites is important. Modest dress is expected in churches.
Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in Rome’s hotels, cafes, and public areas. Mobile networks provide strong coverage, and local SIM cards are inexpensive and can be purchased at convenience stores and airports.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended when visiting Rome. It helps cover medical emergencies, theft, and unexpected travel disruptions. EU visitors should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for public healthcare access.

Did You Know? - Facts About Capitoline Museums

Visitors to the Capitoline Museums can enjoy panoramic views of the Roman Forum and the city from the museum’s terrace, offering a breathtaking perspective of Rome’s ancient history.

The museums are home to some of the most important artifacts from ancient Rome, including the famous bronze statue of the she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, the legendary founders of Rome.

The Capitoline Museums, located on Capitoline Hill, are the world’s oldest public museums, founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV when he donated a collection of ancient Roman statues.

The Capitoline Museums’ art collection includes masterpieces by artists such as Caravaggio, Titian, and Rubens, as well as sculptures from antiquity.

The museums are housed in two Renaissance palaces, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, which are connected by an underground gallery.

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