A Complete Guide to the Capitoline Museums in Rome

Updated at  25. October 2024 from TEAM
Capitoline Hill

The Capitoline Museums are located on one of Rome's most historic hills, the Capitoline Hill, and offer a profound insight into the artistic and cultural history of Rome.

The museums house a vast collection of ancient sculpturesRenaissance paintings, and architectural artifacts. This guide covers everything you need to know, from tickets to what to see inside and outside the museums.

Tickets for The Capitoline Museums

Before your visit to the Capitoline Museums, it’s essential to plan ahead and secure your tickets. A variety of ticket options are available, including general admissionskip-the-line passes, and guided tours. Here's a brief overview:

  • General Admission: Standard entry to the museums.
  • Skip-the-Line Tickets: Save time and avoid long queues by booking skip-the-line passes.
  • Guided Tours: Explore the museums with expert guides who provide insights into the collections and the history of the buildings.

Do Rome Passes Work at the Capitoline Museums?

Yes, Rome Passes are valid at the Capitoline Museums, providing tourists with a convenient way to access multiple attractions. Here are the options:

  • Roma Pass: Offers free entry to the Capitoline Museums but requires a reservation in advance.
  • Go City Explorer Pass: Also provides free entry but requires prior booking to secure a time slot.

Things to Do at Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums offer an extensive collection of artsculptures, and historical artifacts. Here’s a list of highlights you shouldn't miss:

  • Capitoline Wolf: This iconic bronze sculpture symbolizes the legendary founding of Rome by Romulus and Remus, the twins raised by a wolf.
  • Dying Gaul: A powerful Hellenistic sculpture depicting a wounded Gallic warrior in his final moments.
  • Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius: A bronze statue of the Roman Emperor on horseback, symbolizing peaceand imperial majesty.
  • Hercules of the Forum Boarium: A bronze statue representing Hercules, dating back to the 2nd century BC.
  • Paintings by Caravaggio: Don’t miss St. John the Baptist and The Fortune Teller, two of Caravaggio’s most famous works housed in the museum.
  • Frescoes and Stucco Decorations: Depicting scenes from ancient Roman history and the lives of Peter and Paul.

Where Are the Capitoline Museums Located?

The Capitoline Museums are situated in Piazza del Campidoglio, at the heart of Rome. The museums are housed in two buildings:

  • Palazzo dei Conservatori
  • Palazzo Nuovo

This central location makes it convenient to explore nearby attractions like the Roman ForumColosseum, and Pantheon.

How to Get There?

The Capitoline Museums are easily accessible by public transport or on foot from other famous landmarks. Here are the best options for reaching the museums:

  • By Metro: Closest station is Colosseo (Line B), a 13-minute walk away.
  • By Bus: Bus lines 305181, and others stop at Ara Coeli/Piazza Venezia, just a 2-minute walk.
  • By TramLine 8 stops at Venezia, a 6-minute walk.
  • On Foot: Major sights like the Roman ForumTrevi Fountain, and Pantheon are within a 15-minute walk.

You can find official Public Transport Maps via this link.

Opening Hours of the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are open daily, but hours may vary on special holidays. It’s important to plan ahead to ensure a smooth visit.

  • Daily: 9:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • December 24th & 31st: 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • January 1st: 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Closed: May 1st and December 25th

Last admission is one hour before closing.

History of the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums have a rich history, dating back to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV gifted bronze statues to the People of Rome. Key events in the museum’s history include:

  • 1471: Pope Sixtus IV’s donation of bronze statues such as the Capitoline Wolfcolossal head of Constantine, and Spinarius.
  • 1537Michelangelo’s redesign of the Capitoline Square, including the plans for the Palazzo dei Conservatoriand the Palazzo Nuovo.
  • 1734Opening to the public under Pope Clement XII, making it the first public museum in the world.
  • 19th Century: The expansion of the museum during Rome’s unification, adding notable works such as the Castellani Collection of ancient pottery.

The museums continue to be a cultural hub, showcasing Roman history and artistic achievements from antiquity to the Renaissance.

Why Are the Capitoline Museums So Famous?

The Capitoline Museums are renowned for several reasons:

  • Oldest Public Museum: Established in 1734, they are the first public museum in the world, open to all.
  • Unmatched Collection: Featuring ancient Roman sculpturesRenaissance masterpieces, and artifacts that span centuries.
  • Iconic Works: Home to famous artworks like the Capitoline Wolf, the Dying Gaul, and the Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius.
  • Historical Location: Situated on Capitoline Hill, the museums themselves are steeped in history, designed by Michelangelo.

What is the Origin of the Term Capitoline?

The term Capitoline comes from the Latin word caput, meaning "head," as Capitoline Hill was considered the symbolic head of Rome. The hill was home to key temples, including the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, making it a central point of religious and political significance in ancient Rome.

Facilities and Accessibility of Capitoline Museums 

The Capitoline Museums are equipped with services to ensure a comfortable visit:

  • Cloakroom: Free storage for large bags, umbrellas, and backpacks.
  • Bookshop: A wide selection of art books and merchandise related to the museums.
  • Audio Guides: Available for purchase or via the museum app.
  • Cafeteria: Located at Piazzale Caffarelli, the Caffarelli Terrace offers refreshments with a view of Rome.
  • Accessibility: Elevators and stairlifts are available for visitors with mobility challenges. Accessible routes are provided, and detailed information is available on the official website.

What You Should Know Before Visiting

When planning your visit to the Capitoline Museums, keep in mind the following rules and regulations:

  • Photography: Personal photography is allowed without flash or tripods. For commercial use, permission is required.
  • Bags and Backpacks: Large bags must be stored in the cloakroom.
  • Respectful Conduct: Visitors are expected to be respectful of the exhibits and other guests.

Traveler Tips

To ensure a smooth visit to the Capitoline Museums, here are some helpful tips:

  • Buy Tickets in Advance: Skip long lines by booking tickets online.
  • Arrive Early: The museum is quieter in the mornings.
  • Wear Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be walking through large halls and exhibition spaces.
  • Use an Audio Guide: Enhance your experience with detailed information about the artworks.

All Top Attractions Nearby

The Capitoline Museums are surrounded by several iconic landmarks, all within a 15-minute walk:

  • Basilica of Santa Maria in Aracoeli: A 1-minute walk to this Romanesque church atop the Capitoline Hill.
  • Vittoriano: A 4-minute walk to the monument to Italy’s first king, a stunning architectural marvel.
  • Roman Forum & Palatine Hill: A 9-minute walk to the heart of ancient Rome.
  • Colosseum: A 12-minute walk to the iconic amphitheater.
  • Trevi Fountain: A 15-minute walk to Rome’s famous Baroque fountain.

The Capitoline Museums offer an unparalleled experience of Roman art and history, housed in an architectural masterpiece designed by Michelangelo.

Whether you're an art lover or history enthusiast, this cultural gem is a must-visit destination in Rome. Don't miss the chance to explore the treasures of the Capitoline Museums and the nearby historic sites that make Rome one of the world’s greatest cities.

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