Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)
The Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini) on Capitoline Hill are the world's oldest public museums, founded in 1471. Spread across Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo — linked by an underground gallery — they hold Rome's greatest civic art collection: the Capitoline She-Wolf, Dying Gaul, Marcus Aurelius equestrian statue, and works by Caravaggio, Titian, and Rubens.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 09:30–19:30 |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Metro Line B — Colosseo stop (15–20 min walk); buses 40, 60, 64, 70, 170 to Piazza Venezia (~5 min walk) |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours for a thorough visit; allow half a day with a guided tour or temporary exhibition |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings at opening (09:30) for smallest crowds; avoid weekend mornings when school groups arrive; shoulder seasons (Apr–May, Sep–Nov) for best weather and thinner crowds |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level6.5
- Authenticity8.5
- Accessibility7.5
Frequently asked questions
- How do I get to the Capitoline Museums by public transport?
- The most convenient option from Roma Termini is bus 40 or 64 to Piazza Venezia, then a 5-minute uphill walk to Piazza del Campidoglio. Alternatively, take Metro Line B to Colosseo and walk 15–20 minutes along Via dei Fori Imperiali.
- Do I need to book Capitoline Museums tickets in advance?
- Advance booking is strongly recommended, especially during peak season (spring and summer) and on weekends, as popular time slots sell out. Pre-purchase online via museicapitolini.org or the 060608 call centre; note that pre-booked tickets are non-refundable and non-changeable.
- Is there a free admission day at the Capitoline Museums?
- Yes — on the first Sunday of every month, all Italian state and civic museums, including the Capitoline Museums, offer free admission to everyone. Expect larger crowds on those days; arrive at opening to secure entry.
- How much do Capitoline Museums tickets cost?
- Standard online pre-sale admission is €15.00 for adults and €9.50 for concessions (plus a €1 pre-sale fee). When a temporary exhibition is running (e.g. through 1 November 2026), the full non-resident price rises to €16.50. Same-day purchase at the ticket office carries no pre-sale surcharge.
- Are the Capitoline Museums covered by the Roma Pass?
- Yes. The Capitoline Museums count as one of the two free museum entries included with the 48-hour or 72-hour Roma Pass. They are also included with the 72-hour Omnia Card. MIC Card holders and Rome residents (from February 2026 onward) enter free upon showing a valid ID.
- How long does it take to visit the Capitoline Museums?
- Most visitors spend 2–3 hours covering the main highlights across both palaces. Art enthusiasts or those visiting a temporary exhibition should budget closer to 3–4 hours. Note that your entry ticket is valid for 4 hours from the time of admission.
- What are the Capitoline Museums' opening hours?
- The museums are open every day from 09:30 to 19:30, with last admission at 18:30 (one hour before closing). On 24 and 31 December hours are reduced to 09:30–14:00. The museums are closed on 1 May and 25 December.
- What are the must-see works inside the Capitoline Museums?
- Top highlights include the Capitoline She-Wolf (Lupa Capitolina), the Dying Gaul, the original bronze Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius, the colossal fragments of Constantine, and the Capitoline Venus. The Pinacoteca (picture gallery) holds Caravaggio's St. John the Baptist, plus works by Titian and Rubens.
Nearby in Ask Rome
- Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)Museum0.03 km · 0 min walk
- Caffè CapitolinoCafé0.08 km · 1 min walk
- Monument to Victor Emmanuel IIAttraction0.17 km · 2 min walk
- Roman Forum & Palatine HillAttraction0.22 km · 3 min walk
- In Roma - since 1917Restaurant0.25 km · 3 min walk
Where to stay near Capitoline Museums (Musei Capitolini)
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