Capitoline Museums
Perched atop the legendary Capitoline Hill, this extraordinary museum complex offers an immersive journey through the heart of Roman identity. As the oldest public museum in the world, it provides a unique atmosphere where history feels tangible and accessible to everyone. Visitors can explore the magnificent Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, which are themselves architectural masterpieces designed by Michelangelo. The collection features iconic symbols like the original bronze Capitoline Wolf and the colossal head of Constantine, offering a visual feast of ancient grandeur. Beyond the marble statues, the underground passage through the Tabularium provides a spectacular vista of the Roman Forum. Visiting here is a profound experience that connects you directly to the foundations of Western civilisation and the spirit of the Eternal City.
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History of Capitoline Museums
The story of the Capitoline Museums began in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV handed a collection of ancient bronzes back to the Roman people. This was a symbolic gesture of immense weight, as it shifted the ownership of history from the church to the citizens. Among these first treasures was the legendary She Wolf, which eventually became the undisputed icon of the city. This act effectively created the first public collection in the world, turning the Capitoline Hill into a living classroom for the ages. In the sixteenth century, the museum underwent a physical transformation that redefined its grandeur. Michelangelo was commissioned to redesign the entire square, creating the symmetrical trapezoid of the Piazza del Campidoglio. He designed the facades of the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo to face each other across the piazza, harmonising the ancient and the modern. Although he passed away before its completion, his blueprint ensured that the buildings themselves became as famous as the masterpieces they protected. The architecture remains a testament to the belief that art should be displayed in a setting of equal beauty. By the eighteenth century, the museums reached their final form as a truly public institution. Pope Clement XII opened the doors to the general public in 1734, pioneering the radical idea that cultural heritage belonged to all of humanity rather than a select elite. Despite the trials of the Napoleonic occupation, which saw many of the best works hauled away to France, the museums' identity remained strong. Most of those stolen treasures eventually found their way back to the hill, reinforcing the museum's role as the guardian of Rome’s eternal legacy.
events spanning 534 years
Fun Facts
13- 01
Inside the Hall of the Geese, the bronze geese commemorate the sacred birds that saved Rome from a Gallic invasion in 390 BC by alerting the guards.
- 02
Palazzo Nuovo is filled with original 17th-century wood and gilded stucco decorations that have remained largely unchanged for centuries.
- 03
The Capitoline Museums are widely recognised as the oldest public museum in the world, preceding the British Museum and the Louvre by decades.
- 04
The Dying Gaul was once so famous it was one of the primary targets for Napoleon’s art commissioners to seize and take to Paris.
- 05
The Pinacoteca contains the celebrated painting The Fortune Teller by Caravaggio, showing a subtle moment of trickery and charm.
- 06
The Tabularium section offers a balcony view that is arguably the best and most comprehensive perspective of the Roman Forum available today.
- 07
The bronze horse found in Vicolo delle Palme is a rare example of a large ancient bronze sculpture found during archaeological excavations in the city.
- 08
The colossal marble head of Constantine seen in the courtyard belonged to a statue that would have stood over 12 metres tall.
- 09
The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius survived the Middle Ages only because people mistakenly believed it depicted the Christian Emperor Constantine.
- 10
The legendary bronze She Wolf was originally missing the twins Romulus and Remus; they were added in the 15th century by Antonio del Pollaiolo.
- 11
The museum sits directly on top of the massive stone foundations of the Temple of Jupiter Optimus Maximus, once the most important temple in Rome.
- 12
The museum’s collection of Roman portrait busts is so complete that historians can track the evolution of hairstyles and beard fashions over five centuries.
- 13
The underground passage known as the Galleria Lapidaria allows visitors to walk beneath the city’s administrative centre while viewing hundreds of ancient inscriptions.
FULL PLACE DETAILS
OVERVIEW & STATS
- Possible Cost
- €20
- Established
- In 1471, making it 555 years old
- Annual Visitors
- 411,217 (2022)
- Exhibition Items
- 6,756
- Wi-Fi
- Free
ARCHITECTURE & HERITAGE
- Heritage Status
- Italian National Heritage
- Architects
- Michelangelo
- Founders
- Sixtus Iv
WEB & AMENITIES
Capitoline Museums Map & Neighborhood Explorer
This interactive map is centered on Capitoline Museums. Zoom in and move the map around to automatically discover Wikipedia photos and summaries of other nearby sights, monuments, and historical points of interest and stories in real-time!
Capitoline Museums FAQ
Yes, while the copy stands outside in the piazza, the original gilded bronze statue is safely displayed inside the Marcus Aurelius Exedra within the museum.
Absolutely. It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance online to skip the long queues, especially during the busy summer months and holidays.
Most of the museum is accessible via lifts and ramps, though some of the older basement areas and narrow passages might be more challenging for those with limited mobility.
Yes, there is a lovely terrace cafe located on the upper floor of Palazzo Caffarelli that offers stunning views over the rooftops of Rome.
A typical visit takes about 3 hours. We recommend planning your schedule accordingly to make the most of your time there.
The closest place to visit near Capitoline Museums is Roman Summer Festival, around 43 m away. Other things to do near Capitoline Museums include Vittoriano Monument (195 m), Roman Forum (198 m) and Republic Day Parade (249 m). All of these are within roughly 249 m of Capitoline Museums, close enough to walk.
Standard admission to Capitoline Museums is €20 per person. We recommend checking their official website to book in advance and secure the best rates.
It has approximately 6,756 exhibits, some of which may or may not be open to the public.
Capitoline Museums features the following: archive building, bookstore, café, cloakroom, library, photo archive and restoration laboratory. Free Wi-Fi is available on site.
Capitoline Museums holds the following heritage designation: Italian National Heritage.
It dates back to 1471, making it 555 years old.
Capitoline Museums was founded by Sixtus IV. It was designed by Michelangelo.
According to the latest available data (2022), it received approximately 411,217 visitors that year.
Capitoline Museums is wheelchair accessible.
While we strive to keep this information accurate and up to date, we recommend verifying any details independently before making decisions based on them.
Places near Capitoline Museums
Make the most of your trip. Check out these top-rated spots located nearby.
- 43m
Roman Summer Festival
This expansive summer festival transforms the warm evenings into a vibrant celebration of arts and culture across the entire city. Historic ruins, public parks, and riverside promenades become spectacular outdoor venues for jazz concerts, classical music, and independent film screenings. The programme is incredibly diverse, ensuring there is always an exciting performance or exhibition to discover under the starry sky. It creates a wonderfully relaxed yet energetic vibe, drawing locals and visitors out into the pleasant night air. Pop up bars and food stalls add to the lively, communal atmosphere.
festival view 
195mVittoriano Monument
This colossal, dazzlingly white marble monument dominates the central skyline, built to celebrate the unification of the country and its first king. Often referred to by locals with humorous nicknames due to its massive, wedding cake like appearance, it is undeniably imposing and spectacular. The structure is adorned with intricate allegorical sculptures, massive equestrian statues, and sweeping, dramatic staircases. It also houses the highly poignant Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded constantly by a military honour guard. Riding the glass elevator to the uppermost terrace provides arguably the most comprehensive and breathtaking 360 degree panoramic view of the entire city. It is a bold, controversial, yet fascinating piece of modern history.
highlight view
198mRoman Forum
Stepping into the Roman Forum is like entering a time machine that transports you to the very epicentre of the ancient world. Once a swampy valley, this site evolved into the beating heart of the Roman Empire, where emperors were hailed, laws were debated, and the fate of nations was decided. You can walk along the Via Sacra, the same path taken by triumphant generals, and stand amidst the towering ruins of temples and basilicas that once glittered with marble and gold. The atmosphere is thick with history, offering a tangible connection to figures like Julius Caesar and Augustus. It is a place where every stone has a story, making it a must-visit for anyone who wants to truly understand the foundations of Western civilisation. The sheer scale and enduring presence of these monuments are guaranteed to leave you in awe of Roman ingenuity.
attraction view
249mRepublic Day Parade
This national holiday commemorates the birth of the modern Italian Republic with an awe inspiring display of patriotic pride. The highlight is a massive military parade marching proudly down the grand avenue between the Colosseum and the Vittoriano monument. Spectators gather to admire the precision of the armed forces and the colourful uniforms of various historical regiments. The celebration reaches its peak when the spectacular Frecce Tricolori acrobatic team paints the sky with the green, white, and red of the national flag. The beautiful gardens of the presidential palace are also opened to the public for this special occasion.
festival view
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