There are a large number of famous museums in Rome, many of which a lot of people would consider a “must visit”. But with so many museums in Rome to visit, which ones are the best and most worth your time? In this article, we will be discussing what attractions are commonly considered the best museums in Rome, as well as some of the factors you should consider when planning what museums you might visit on your vacation.
The Best Museums in Rome to Visit
The Borghese Gallery
The Galleria Borghese is considered to be one of the most beautiful museums in Rome, both because of the contents on the inside, and the pristine architecture on the outside. This combination makes the Borghese Gallery a true artistic masterpiece throughout, and arguably one of the best museums in Rome.
The building itself is nestled in the center of the wonderfully kept gardens, which in itself is a work of art. Inside you will find the Borghese family’s private collection of artworks and sculptures, set across 20 rooms. Some highlights of the gallery include the Bernini Statues and artworks by Caravaggio.
To top it off, the gallery only allows in 100 visitors at any given time, which means you can experience the awe-inspiring works of art without being bumped around by a crowd of tourists. It’s worth noting that you can’t book tickets for the Borghese Gallery in person, it must be done in advance online.
During peak times of the year, such as the summer, it is recommended that you book at least a month in advance to ensure you get a date/time that you want.
The Capitoline Museums
Found on top of the Capitoline Hill in Piazza del Campidoglio, the Capitoline Museums are one of Rome’s rare hidden gems that you don’t need to book ahead of time for. The Capitoline Museums include Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo, and are home to many works of art, and statues, and busts of well-known people.
Some of the most famous pieces of art it is home to are the bronze statues of Marcus Aurelius, the She-wolf with Romulus and Remus, and the fragmented Colossus of Emperor Constantine. In addition to this, you can find many other sculptures and mosaics, including some Roman replicas of famous Greek originals.
Because the Capitoline Museums don’t attract as much footfall compared to more famous museums in Rome, like the Vatican Museums, you don’t need to book ahead of time. Instead, you can turn up on the day, pay for your entry, and enjoy the Capitoline museums to your heart’s content.
The Vatican Museums
Quite possibly some of the most famous museums in Rome to visit are the Vatican Museums. Despite the name, the Vatican Museums aren’t just one museum but a vast complex within Vatican City, showcasing the Catholic Church’s extraordinary collection of priceless art and sculptures.
Unlike what the name might suggest, everything is located in a single area, not spread out across different sites. The museums feature an array of spaces, including galleries, chapels, courtyards, towers, staircases, and more.
The Vatican Museums showcases masterpieces by renowned artists such as Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini. Most famously, they are home to the iconic Sistine Chapel, celebrated for its breathtaking ceiling.
Because The Vatican Museums are so popular with tourists, it is heavily recommended that you buy your tickets ahead of time, to avoid spending hours waiting in line on the day.
Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna
The National Gallery of Modern Art is often considered one of the best museums in Rome when it comes to art. And with works of art from renowned artists such as Paul Cézanne, Claude Monet and Vincent van Gogh, it is hard to argue otherwise.
The Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna is a must-see museum in Rome for any art lovers out there, and with over 5000 different paintings, sculptures and other pieces of art to look at, you’re sure to find your time there worthwhile.
The National Roman Museum
The National Roman Museum can definitely be considered one of the best museums in Rome. It is made up of four different buildings, with an incredible collective variety of works of art and archaeological masterpieces.
The National Roman Museum is made up of:
- Baths of Diocletian – Roman baths from 300 AD which could hold up to 3000 people at once. Even though only a small part of this can now be visited, it is still an extremely impressive site, including high ceilings,marble cladded walls, and decorative mosaic pieces.
- Palazzo Altemps – The Palazzo Altemps is home to a remarkable collection of Greek and Roman sculptures once owned by prominent Roman noble families in the 16th and 17th centuries. These masterpieces are showcased in elegantly decorated rooms, featuring stunning frescoes on both the walls and ceilings.
- Crypta Balbi – The Crypta, built between 19 and 13 BC under Lucius Cornelius Balbus, featured a theater, apartments, and a patio. Its crypt served as a gathering space during play intermissions. Over time, it was buried and forgotten until excavations began in 1981. Two decades later, the site was opened to the public as part of the National Museum of Rome.
- Palazzo Massimo – The Palazzo Massimo, also known as Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, is named for its close proximity to the Baths of Diocletian. The exhibitions at Palazzo Massimo alle Terme are spread across four floors, organized by theme and chronology. The Palazzo Massimo contains a variety of historical artifacts, ranging from old Roman coins and jewelry, to Greek sculptures and statues. The museum’s highlight displays the world’s best-preserved Roman frescoes, originally from the Villa of Livia and Villa Farnesina.
Best Museums in Rome Considerations
When discussing the subject of the best museums in Rome, it is important to remember that everything is subjective, and will, of course, depend on your own personal tastes and preferences.
Unless you are looking for something specific, for example, if you’re a huge fan of fine art, you can’t go wrong with visiting some of the most popular and famous museums in Rome — they are popular for a reason!
With so many attractions, monuments, and different museums to visit, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy.
Research Tickets Beforehand
The one piece of advice that we would recommend above all else when planning your vacation to Rome is to research and get your tickets ahead of time. Whether you intend to take a trip around the best museums in Rome, or want to explore the magnificent monuments like the Colosseum, it is best to come prepared!
Many of the popular tourist attractions in Rome can come paired with lengthy waits in the sun if you try to get tickets on the day for them!
Get Your Rome Tickets Easily Today!
If you’re looking for an easy way to find and buy tickets for all of Rome’s key monuments and attractions, then look no further! We partner with reliable and reputable ticketing companies for quick and convenient tickets for anything you might want to visit while on your vacation in Rome.
