Capitoline Museum Tickets

Capitoline Museum FAQs

• What is so special about the Capitoline Museum in Rome?
• The Capitoline Museum (Musei Capitolini) in Rome is the world's oldest public museum! It was established in 1471, and houses an extensive collection of ancient Roman art, sculptures, and artifacts.
• Where is the Capitoline Museum located?
• It is located on Capitoline Hill in Rome, at Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo.
• Who founded the Capitoline Museum?
• Pope Sixtus IV founded the museum in 1471 by donating a collection of bronze statues to the people of Rome.
• What are the highlights of the Capitoline Museum?
• Key highlights at the Capitoline Museum include the Dying Gaul, Capitoline Wolf, Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, and Capitoline Venus.
• How many buildings make up the Capitoline Museum in Rome?
• The museum consists of three buildings: Palazzo dei Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, and the Palazzo Senatorio.
• What is the significance of the Capitoline Wolf at the Capitoline Museum?
• The Capitoline Wolf is a bronze statue of a she-wolf suckling Romulus and Remus, which symbolises the mythological founding of Rome.
• Is Michelangelo connected to the Capitoline Museum in Rome?
• Yes, Michelangelo designed the Piazza del Campidoglio and the arrangement of the museum buildings, although he did not live to see the completion.
• How long does it take to visit the Capitoline Museum in Rome?
• It takes 2-3 hours to explore the main highlights at the Capitoline Museum in Rome.
• Is the Capitoline Museum accessible for people with disabilities?
• Yes, the museum provides facilities for accessibility, including elevators and ramps.
• Are guided tours available for the Capitoline Museums in Rome?
• Yes. Click HERE for ticket details.

Capitoline Museum Fun Facts

• Oldest Public Museum in the World: The Capitoline Museum, which was established in 1471, holds the title of the world's first museum open to the public!
• Michelangelo's Vision: Michelangelo's iconic ‘trapezoidal piazza’ and staircase design set the stage for the museum's harmonious layout.
• Home of the She-Wolf: The Capitoline Wolf is one of the most iconic symbols of Rome and embodies its legendary founding story.
• A Star on Coins: The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, one of the museum’s centerpieces, was once on Italy's 50-cent euro coin.
• The Misfit Gaul: The Dying Gaul is a Roman copy of a Hellenistic original and it shows an enemy warrior with surprising nobility and pathos.
• Art from Ancient Temples: Many sculptures in the museum were recovered from ancient Roman temples and public spaces.
• A Hidden Treasure Vault: Beneath the museum lies the Tabularium, which was ancient Rome's official record-keeping office!
• Famous Frescoes: The museum boasts stunning frescoes by renowned artists like Pinturicchio and Guercino.
• Underground Passage: The museum buildings are connected by an underground gallery called the Galleria Lapidaria.
• The Medusa Connection: The Bust of Medusa in the museum was sculpted by Baroque artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini.
• ‍Unparalleled Views: From the terrace of Caffè Capitolino, you can enjoy great panoramic views of the Roman Forum.