Explore Rome’s classical legacy at Palazzo Nuovo

Palazzo Nuovo | An archive of history’s finest statues

Sitting right on the iconic Piazza del Campidoglio, the Palazzo Nuovo is a must-visit for anyone who loves history and art! This gorgeous 18th-century mansion is part of the Capitoline Museums and is home to an incredible collection of ancient Greek and Roman treasures, including life-size busts of philosophers and ancient Roman rulers. Imagine looking Julius Caesar right in the eye!

Plan your visit to Palazzo Nuovo

Opening hours

Daily: 9:30am to 7:30pm

December 24 and December 31: 9:30am to 2pm

Last entry: Last entry is 1 hour before closing time.

Closed: May 1 and December 25.

Best time to visit: The Capitoline Museums are best visited in the evening, especially if you want to catch the views from Capitoline Hill as the sun begins to set. The warm, golden light makes the nearby landmarks like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum glow, offering a picturesque scene perfect for photos and leisurely strolls. Spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October) are also ideal seasons, with mild weather that makes it pleasant to explore both the museums and the surrounding historic areas.

Detailed Capitoline Museums timings

Location

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1, 00186 Rome, Italy

Find on maps

The Palazzo Nuovo is one of the buildings that make up the Capitoline Museums on Capitoline Hill in Rome. It's located on the north side of Michelangelo's Piazza del Campidoglio, opposite the Palazzo dei Conservatori.

Closest landmark: Capitoline Piazza, 1 min away

Detailed directions to Capitoline Museums

Visitor information

  • Tickets for Palazzo Nuovo are not sold separately. You will need to purchase a combined ticket that includes access to both Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo. You also can't enter Palazzo Nuovo directly; access is only through Palazzo dei Conservatori. After exploring that side of the museum, be sure to use the underground passage to reach Palazzo Nuovo.
  • The Capitoline Museums, including Palazzo Nuovo, are covered by the Rome Pass, allowing faster entry for visitors who plan to use this convenient travel pass during their visit. If you’re short on time, this is the way to go!

Highlights of Palazzo Nuovo

Hall of Philosophers
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Hall of Philosophers

The Hall of Philosophers features a remarkable collection of busts and statues representing some of history's greatest thinkers such as Socrates, Cicero, Homer, and Pythagoras. This space celebrates the intellectual heritage of ancient Rome, showcasing the influence of philosophy on Western thought.

Capitoline Venus

This sculpture was found near the Basilica of San Vitale between 1666 and 1670. Made of exquisite marble, likely Parian, it depicts Venus-Aphrodite nude and in contemplation as she emerges from her bath.

Dying Gaul

The Dying Gaul is a powerful and Hellenistic sculpture depicting a wounded Gallic warrior in his final moments. Of  agony and nobility, seen in the intricate details in his facial expressions and posture.

Leda with the Swan

The statue of Leda is shown nude, lifting her mantle with her left arm to shield the swan from an eagle about to snatch it. With her right hand, she holds the swan while leaning against a tree trunk on her right.

Cupid and Psyche

The statue of Cupid and Psyche at the Capitoline Museums in Rome is a replica from the 1st or 2nd century, inspired by a late Hellenistic original. It was donated by Pope Benedict XIV after its discovery in 1749, and features the lovers wrapped in an embrace.

Colossal Statue of Marforio

Located in the courtyard, the colossal statue of Marforio is one of Rome's famous "talking statues." This ancient statue, believed to represent a river god, has become a symbol of the Roman people's voice, often adorned with witty inscriptions and political commentary.

Hall of Emperors

Admire an impressive array of marble busts of Rome’s emperors – including Octavian, Augustus, Trajan and Hadrian.

Mosaic of the Doves

A classic example of ancient Roman artistry, featuring two doves amidst a lush garden setting, this intricate work showcases the skill of Roman mosaicists and the cultural importance of nature and symbolism in Roman art.

Torso of Discobolus

The Torso of Discobolus, or the Discus Thrower, captures the dynamic pose of an athlete in motion. Although it is only a torso, the sculpture’s elegance and sense of movement highlight the ideals of athleticism in ancient Greek culture.

Red Faun

The Red Faun is a delightful statue representing a mythical creature, half-man and half-goat, often associated with nature and rustic music. This playful figure embodies the carefree spirit of the countryside and the joy of revelry in ancient mythology.

The Hunter and the Hare

This sculpture depicts a hunter with his prized catch, a hare. The hunter holds a spear in his right hand and a hare in his left, with a tall, gnarled tree on the right. This Gallienic period sculpture was found at Porta Latina and donated to the Capitoline Museums by Benedict XIV.

The history of Palazzo Nuovo in a nutshell

  • 1471: Pope Sixtus I donates important bronze statues to Rome, including the She-Wolf and the colossal head of Constantine I. These statues are placed on the facade of the Palazzo dei Conservatori on Capitoline Hill.
  • Mid-1500s: More famous pieces, like the bronze statue of Hercules and three panels of Marcus Aurelius, are added. Pope Paul III also plans to move the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius to the Palazzo del Quirinale.
  • 1603: The Palazzo Nuovo is built by Girolamo Rainaldi and his son Carlo to mirror the Palazzo dei Conservatori, designed by Michelangelo, completing the symmetry of Piazza del Campidoglio.
  • 1654: Construction is completed during the papacy of Pope Innocenzo X Pamphilj.
  • 1734: Palazzo Nuovo opens as Rome’s first public museum, showcasing ancient sculptures.
  • 1800s: The museum collection grows as new ancient artifacts are discovered during excavations, especially when Rome becomes Italy’s capital in 1870.

Frequently asked questions about Palazzo Nuovo

Who designed Palazzo Nuovo?

The building was originally designed by Michelangelo and then constructed by Giacomo della Porta in the mid-16th century.

Can I visit both Palazzo Nuovo and Palazzo dei Conservatori on the same day?

Yes, you can! Besides, both buildings are part of the Capitoline Museums, and therefore your ticket grants access to both.

How can I get to Palazzo Nuovo?

Several buses, including routes 30, 51, 85, and 87, stop at Ara Coeli, just a 2-minute walk away. If you're coming from the Colosseo metro station, it's only a 10-minute walk.

Where can I grab a quick bite near Palazzo Nuovo?

You can stop by Lemongrass Gelato for delicious ice cream or head to Saaz Restobar for a great drink in a more relaxed atmosphere.

How is Palazzo Nuovo’s collection different from Palazzo dei Conservatori’s?

Palazzo Nuovo features important statues like the Dying Gaul and Capitoline Venus, while Palazzo dei Conservatori is home to the iconic She-Wolf, a key attraction. Both buildings are part of the Capitoline Museums, showcasing Rome's rich artistic heritage.

How long should I spend at Palazzo Nuovo?

You should plan to spend at least one to two hours at Palazzo Nuovo.

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