The Capitoline Museums in Rome, the world’s oldest public museums since 1471, are packed with amazing art and history. Explore the famous Capitoline Wolf statue of Romulus and Remus, the moving Dying Gaul sculpture, incredible paintings by Titian,...
Founded On
1734
Founded By
Pope Sixtus IV
ADDRESS
Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Roma RM, Italy
RECOMMENDED DURATION
2 hours
Timings
09:30–19:30
VISITORS PER YEAR
500000
TICKETS
From $30.55
EXPECTED WAIT TIME - STANDARD
30-60 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)
Pope Sixtus IV, who established the Capitoline Museums in 1471, also commissioned the Sistine Chapel.
One of the museum's most renowned pieces is the Capitoline Wolf, a striking bronze statue depicting a she-wolf nursing the legendary twins Romulus and Remus, which serves as a powerful symbol of Rome's founding myth.
Michelangelo was the mastermind behind much of the design of the Capitoline Museums, including Palazzo Nuovo, but he passed away before the project was completed.
The statue of Marcus Aurelius is an equestrian bronze honoring the Roman emperor renowned for his philosophical wisdom and stoic values. The statue gives off a sense of power and authority, with the emperor appearing larger than life. His outstretched hand mimics the gesture emperors used when speaking to their troops, adding to the commanding presence.
The Capitoline She-Wolf is a bronze statue housed in the Capitoline Museums in Rome. While it was long believed to be an Etruscan work, recent analysis of the casting technique suggests it may be of a later date. The sculpture portrays a she-wolf nurturing the legendary twin brothers, Romulus and Remus, who are credited with founding Rome.
The Spinario is a small bronze statue that shows a young boy pulling a thorn from his foot. It arrived at the Capitoline Museums in 1471 as part of a donation by Pope Sixtus IV. Likely created in the 1st century BC, the sculpture blends earlier Hellenistic and Greek influences. During the Renaissance, it was one of the most admired and frequently copied ancient pieces.
The Lion attacking a horse statue is a marble sculpture from the Hellenistic era, displayed at the Capitoline Museums in Rome. It captures a dramatic struggle between a lion and a horse, showcasing intense emotion and dynamic movement. The piece has been on Capitoline Hill since at least the early 14th century.
Discovered between 1666 and 1670 near the Basilica of San Vitale, this sculpture stands slightly larger than life. Crafted from exquisite marble, likely sourced from Paros, it portrays Venus looking a bit lost and empty as she exits her bath.
The Dying Gaul, also known as The Dying Galatian or The Dying Gladiator, is an ancient Roman marble statue that depicts a semi-reclining figure. This piece is a replica of a lost Greek sculpture from the Hellenistic era (323–31 BC), which is believed to have originally been crafted in bronze.
Located in the Capitoline Museums in Rome, the statue of Cupid and Psyche is a 1st or 2nd-century replica inspired by an earlier late Hellenistic original. Donated by Pope Benedict XIV after its discovery in 1749, it beautifully depicts the lovers entwined in a tender embrace.
If you're short on time, don’t miss the iconic Capitoline Venus, the Dying Gaul, and the stunning mosaics in the Palazzo dei Conservatori. The view from the piazza is also a highlight!
The Capitoline Museums are named after their location on Capitoline Hill, one of the seven hills of Rome and a symbolic center of Roman history and governance. The site has been historically significant since ancient times, serving as a religious and political hub.
Plan to spend at least 2 to 3 hours to fully appreciate the collections and exhibits.
Yes, the museums are air-conditioned for a comfortable visit!
Absolutely! The Capitoline Museums offer a variety of exhibits that can engage and entertain children.
Photography is allowed in most areas of the museum, but be sure to check for any specific restrictions.
Tickets for the museum can be purchased online or in person at the ticket office.We recommend booking ahead of time to avoid long lines and ensure availability.
They are the world's first public museum and house iconic works like the Capitoline Wolf and Dying Gaul. Their Michelangelo-designed architecture adds to the experience.
No, they also feature medieval, Renaissance, and modern art, as well as numismatic collections.
