Best art museums in Rome: discovering the city's artistic legacy

Some art galleries in Rome have become world-famous landmarks. The treasure house of art found in Rome makes it one of the foremost reasons people visit. Many museums are also perfect for a romantic date, gazing hand-in-hand at the finest paintings in history.

Best art museums in Rome

1. Gaze in awe at the Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums showcase the splendor of Renaissance art. Here you can see the Papal collections, compiled from the 17th century onwards. Incredible statues, paintings, and frescoes make this a jaw-dropping experience.

Highlights:

Beat the crowds with an early morning tour. You can also see other parts of the stunning Vatican complex on this tour.

Address and opening hours:

00120 Vatican City. Open 8:30 AM-6:30 PM Monday-Thursday, 8:30 AM-10:30 PM Friday-Saturday. Closed Sundays.

2. Marvel at the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel

It's not technically a museum, it's a church, but when it comes to art in Rome, the Sistine Chapel is a must-see. Michelangelo's world-famous ceiling will leave you speechless.

Highlights:

We recommend a private tour of the Sistine Chapel. Your expert guide will be able to answer all the questions you have about the art, architecture, and life in Vatican City.

Address and opening hours:

00120 Vatican City. Open 9:00 AM-4:00 PM Monday-Saturday. Closed Sundays.

3. Take a trip back in time at the Borghese Gallery

The Borghese Gallery is another top destination for lovers of Renaissance art. In particular, it's known for its collection of works by Caravaggio and Raphael.

Highlights:

A guided tour is a great way to see the gallery. You can take a stroll around the elegant, landscaped gardens when you've finished admiring the art.

Address and opening hours:

Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5, 00197 Rome. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

4. Be dazzled by the Baroque at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery

Another of Rome's finest art galleries, the Dora Pamphilj is a perfect spot to admire Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Italian masters like Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio are all on display here.

Highlights:

To get the most from the Doria Pamphilj, take a guided tour. Your expert guide will show you all the most interesting works.

Address and opening hours:

Via del Corso 305, 00186 Rome. Open 9 AM-7 PM Thursday-Tuesday. Closed Wednesdays.

5. See ancient artworks at the Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are best known for artworks from the classical world. Statues on display include the famous she-wolf of Rome, historical figures like Marcus Aurelius, and the ancient Roman gods.

Highlights:

While you're admiring the classical sculptures, don't forget to look around you, because the square that houses the museums was designed by Michelangelo. Your private tour guide will have more amazing facts to share.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza del Campidoglio 1, 00186 Rome. Open seven days a week. Times vary by season.

6. Take a day trip to see Michelangelo's David in person

While you're in Rome, why not head out for a day? Michelangelo's David is just a short distance away, in the Accademia Gallery of Florence. While David is the most famous sculpture on display, there are also works by masters like Botticelli, as well as a fascinating collection of antique musical instruments.

Highlights:

Take a guided trip to Florence. You'll enjoy a delicious, local lunch and a stroll around the center before you head into the Accademia.

Address and opening hours:

Via Ricasoli 58-60, 50129 Florence. Open 8:15 AM-6:20 PM, Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

Best design museums in Rome

7. Admire the Art Nouveau of Villa Torlonia

Step out of the Renaissance and into the 20th century at the Villa Torlonia. This Art Nouveau house showcases some of the finest architecture and design in the city, with an emphasis on unusual industrial materials.

Highlights:

A professional guide will relate the history of the villa, which once belonged to Mussolini. As well as seeing the gorgeous Art Nouveau designs on display, you'll take a trip into Il Duce's basement bunker.

Address and opening hours:

Via Nomentana 70, 00161 Rome. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

8. Embrace the contemporary at the Central Institute for Graphics

Head off the beaten track with a visit to the Palazzo Poli, where you'll find Rome's Central Institute for Graphics. This design museum contains prints, drawings, photos, videos, and more.

Highlights:

This design museum has a wonderful, ever-changing rotation of temporary displays. Stop on the way out to admire the celebrated Trevi Fountain.

Address and opening hours:

Villa della Stamperia 6, 00187 Rome. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM Saturday-Sunday.

Alternative museums in Rome

9. Leap into the modern age at MAXXI

Think the Roman art scene is stuck in the past? Take a trip to MAXXI, the National Museum of 21st-Century Art. In this sleek, contemporary building, technology and art collide. Cutting-edge sculptures, installations, and digital art are waiting to impress you.

Highlights:

Check before you visit MAXXI to see what's on. You can often find intriguing video displays and temporary exhibits.

Address and opening hours:

Via Guido Reni 4A, 00196 Rome. Open 11:00 AM-7:00 PM Tuesday-Sunday. Closed Mondays.

10. See da Vinci in a new way with a treasure hunt

Enjoy a modern take on an Old Master with the Da Vinci Treasure Hunt Game. The perfect way to get kids interested in art, this interactive exhibit at the Da Vinci Museum blends history, art, and digital fun.

Highlights:

Entry to the Da Vinci Museum is included when you take part in this interactive exhibit. Spend quality time admiring the art and design of one of Italy's greatest geniuses.

Address and opening hours:

Piazza della Cancelleria 1, 00186 Rome. Open 9:30 AM-7:00 PM Monday-Sunday.

FAQs

Are there any free-entry days for art museums in Rome?

Most museums in Rome are free on the first Sunday of the month. The Vatican Museums are free on the last Sunday of the month.

What are some unique and lesser-known art museums worth visiting in Rome?

Take a trip to MAXXI, the 21st-century art museum. It makes a fascinating change from Rome's Renaissance museums.

Which art museums in Rome have works by famous artists?

You'll find works by famous artists in many of Rome's galleries. In particular, the Vatican Museums and the Borghese Gallery contain works by Caravaggio, Michelangelo, Raphael, and more.

Are the art museums in Rome wheelchair accessible?

The Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums have been adapted and are accessible for wheelchair users. The Borghese Gallery provides small wheelchairs for visitors, as a standard wheelchair will not fit in the elevator. Wheelchair users should contact the museums in advance to organize their visit.

Are there any art museums in Rome that are suitable for children and families?

Yes. You can take family-friendly tours of the Vatican Museums, and the Leonardo da Vinci Museum has special events and games for kids.