Musei Capitolini, Rome

Musei Capitolini, situated in a piazza designed by Michelangelo in 1536, helps visitors to appreciate the many layers of the city’s cultural heritage. This site is actually a group of art and archaeological museums, housed inside palaces recognized as some of the city’s finest examples of medieval architecture. The history of the museums can be traced to the 15th century, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of ancient bronze sculptures to the people of Rome and installed them here. Since then, the museums’ collection has grown to include a large number of ancient Roman, Greek, and Egyptian statues, as well as inscriptions, jewels, medals, mosaics, and coins. The museums’ extensive compendium of art includes a huge number of medieval and Renaissance works, including masterpieces by Bernini and Caravaggio, among many others. There’s so much to see here, one visit may not be enough. The ticket office is situated in the piazza, but you can also book your tickets online. Using our international travel planner, Rome attractions like Musei Capitolini can form part of a personalized travel itinerary.