The Top 6 Museums in Rome

It’s difficult to make a list of the top museums in Rome when so many are some of the best in the world. Rome has been a city at the forefront of art and culture for its entire existence.

From the ancient Roman Empire and its massive buildings, to the masters of the Renaissance, to modern and contemporary art of the 21st century, Rome has been shaking the art world.

1) The Vatican Museums

No trip to Rome is complete without discovering the treasures hidden inside the walls of the Vatican Museums

First thing’s first: a trip to Rome simply would not be complete without a visit to the Vatican. On top of that, there’s no way you’re not going to see the Sistine Chapel. Sure, you’ve seen pictures of Michaelangelo’s adorning masterpieces — specifically The Creation of Adam — but it’s an entirely different ball game to see the work itself and stand there, right there under its majesty.

This is not to mention Raphael’s final work The Transfiguration, which is considered his masterpiece as well. That’s two Ninja Turtles in one place! There are plenty more pieces worth seeing just themselves, from Ancient Egyptian relics, to the Vatican Gardens, and innumerable statues and busts from all throughout history. Dive into Vatican museums with the Vatican skip-the-line tours. 

2) The Borghese Gallery

Exclude the Vatican, the Borghese Gallery is home to the best art collection in Rome with works by Bernini, Caravaggio and more

Housed in the former Villa Borghese Pinciana, a grand villa originally built in the 17th century, the Borghese Gallery was initially started by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Borghese was a notable collector of Caravaggio and early patron of Bernini, so several of their famous works are housed there.

In addition to Bernini and Caravaggio, one can find pieces by Raphael as well as works dating from the 1st century all the way through the 17th. If a massive villa, works by famous great artists, and over a thousand years of art aren’t enough to get you out there, just let the Gallery’s popularity do the talking; it can get so busy that only guests who have booked their Borghese tickets in advance will be let in!

3) The Capitoline Museums

Rome history connoissuers will enjoy the dive into Rome’s past at the Capitoline Museums, including the original bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius

The Capitoline Museums have the distinction of being the oldest museums in the world. Founded in 1471, the Capitoline Museums are several buildings which are part of the greater Capitoline Museums. One of the major sights to see here is the famous “She-wolf”, the legendary symbol of Rome. Like the Vatican Museums, the Capitoline has been touched by the hands of Michaelangelo, who was commissioned to renovate two palaces which are now part of the museum.

In fact, parts of the museum feature marble pieces the artist brought to the location but never fully assembled. Straddling the line between historical and fine art museum, the Capitoline is a place any visitor to Rome should see if they want a greater understanding of the vast past the city possesses.

4) Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica

Take the chance to admire some hidden Roman artistic treasures off the beaten path at Palazzo Barberini and Palazzo Corsini

The buildings which house the National Gallery of Ancient Art are marvels in and of themselves. The Palazzo Barberini, a mansion built in the 1600s for Pope Urban VIII was started by Carlo Maderno, the designer of St. Peter’s Basilica and finished by Bernini. The palazzo is adorned with beautiful frescos, state-of-the-art architecture (for the time), and styles which were copied across Europe.

The other building, the Palazzo Corsini, was built for the Corsini family in the 1700s. Another grand, beautiful villa, the Palazzo Corsini is not to be missed. This gallery specializes in art from the 16th and 17th centuries and features art by El Greco, Caravaggio, and Raphael. Seek out legendary masterpieces in the halls of these grand villas, which themselves are a magnificent.

5) THE MAXXI

Rome is still a hub for the international contemporary art scene and the MAXXI provides the perfect context to to explore it

Maybe, just maybe you’ve become a little overwhelmed with the ancient and antique history found throughout Rome. Maybe you want to see something fresh, something ahead of its time, something contemporary. Look no further than MAXXI for your dosage of contemporary art and architecture.

MAXXI boasts exhibitions from world renowned artists year round, but the building itself is a masterpiece in and of itself. It is considered one of the architect, Zaha Hadid’s best works and features sprawling, functional open spaces visitors can wander through. MAXXI is not just an art museum, but and architecture museum as well.

6) The Galleria Nazionala d’Arte Moderna

While you’re in Villa Borghese you can also pop by the GNAM for some modern artistic masterpieces