The Capitoline Museums of Rome, or Musei Capitolini, contain some of Rome’s greatest artistic and archaeological treasures. Actually a museum spread over two buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, the Capitoline Museums sit atop the Capitoline Hill, or the Campidoglio, one of Rome’s famous seven hills. Occupied since at least the 8th century BC. C., the Capitol was an area of ancient temples. Overlooking the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill beyond, it was and is the geographic and symbolic center of the city.
The museums were established by Pope Clement XII in 1734, making them the world’s first museums open to the public. For any visitor interested in understanding the history and development of Rome from the ancient era to the Renaissance, the Capitoline Museums are a must-see.
To get to the Capitoline Hill, most visitors climb the Cordonata, an elegant and monumental staircase designed by Michelangelo, who also designed the Piazza del Campidoglio with geometric designs at the top of the stairs. In the center of the square is the famous bronze statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius on horseback. The largest bronze statue of Roman antiquity, the version in the square is actually a copy, the original is in the museum.
Palazzo dei Conservatori
As you stand atop the Cordonata, the Palazzo dei Conservatori is on your right. It is the largest building on the Capitoline and is divided into several sections, including the Conservators’ Apartments, the courtyard, the Palazzo dei Conservatori Museum, and other rooms. There is also a cafeteria and bookstore located in this wing of the Capitoline.
The Palazzo dei Conservatori contains several famous works of art from antiquity. The main one is the bronze Loba ( La Lupa ), dating from the 5th century BC. C. and is the de facto symbol of Rome. It represents Romulus and Remus , the ancient founders of Rome, suckling a she-wolf. Other well-known works of antiquity are Il Spinario , a marble from the 1st century BC. C. of a child who removes a thorn from his foot; the original equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and fragments of a colossal statue of Emperor Constantine.
The legends and triumphs of Rome are also on display in the frescoes, statues, coins, ceramics, and ancient jewelry in the Palazzo dei Conservatori . Here you will find representations of the Punic Wars, inscriptions of Roman magistrates, the foundations of an ancient temple dedicated to the God Jupiter and an impressive collection of statues of athletes, gods and goddesses, warriors and emperors ranging from the days of the Roman Empire to the baroque period.
In addition to the many archaeological finds, there are also paintings and sculptures by medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque artists. The third floor has a picture gallery with works by Caravaggio and Veronese, among others. There is also a very famous bust of the head of Medusa sculpted by Bernini.
Lapidaria Gallery and Tabularium
In an underground passageway that leads from the Palazzo dei Conservatori to the Palazzo Nuovo there is a special gallery that opens to views of the Roman Forum. The Lapidary Gallery contains epigraphs, epitaphs (tomb inscriptions) and the foundations of two ancient Roman houses. Here you will also find the Tabularium , which contains additional bases and fragments from ancient Rome. Passing by the Galleria Lapidaria and the Tabularium is a great way to better understand ancient Rome and get a unique view of the Roman Forum.
New Palace
While the Palazzo Nuovo is the smaller of the two Capitoline museums, it is no less spectacular. Despite its name, the “new palace” also includes numerous objects from antiquity, including a large statue of a water god called “Marforio”; ornate sarcophagi; the statue of Discobolus ; and mosaics and statues recovered from Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli.
Information to visit the Capitoline Museums
Location: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, on the Capitol
Hours: every day, from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm (last entry at 6:30 pm), closes at 2:00 pm on December 24 and 31. Closed on Mondays and January 1, May 1 and December 25.
Information: Check the website for updated hours, prices and special events. Tel. (0039) 060608
Admission: € 15 (from 2018). Those under 18 or over 65 pay € 13, and children 5 and under are free. Save on entry with the Roma Pass.
For more ideas on museums in Rome, check out our list of the best museums in Rome.
This article has been expanded and updated by Elizabeth Heath
