The 12 best museums in Rome: ancient history, contemporary art and more

The Eternal City, famous for its romantic atmosphere, stunning landmarks, and lip-smacking cuisine, Rome also has one of the longest and most fascinating cultural heritages of any city in Europe.

When considering things to do in Rome, visiting the city’s top museums is a must. The Colosseum is your portal back to Rome’s dramatic past, while the Borghese Gallery is the ultimate spot for Italian art fans. From essential locations to hidden gems, don’t miss out on any of the best museums in Rome during your visit.

Rome’s best museums at a glance

Best museum for history: Colosseum

Best museum for art: Borghese Gallery

Best museum for families: Welcome To Rome

Best museum for hidden gems: House of the Owls

1. Colosseum

Best for: history buffs

Why should I visit the Colosseum?

The Colosseum simply has to be at the top of this list. One of the most famous museums in Rome, it was once the center of entertainment for ancient Romans. This massive amphitheater hosted gladiator battles and public spectacles. You’ll find the Colosseum Museum on the second floor of the complex.

How long can I spend at the Colosseum?

Depending on whether you explore the upper levels and the underground, you’ll need 1-2 hours to visit the Colosseum.

Insider tip

Head to the upper tiers for an incredible view over the Roman Forum — it’s worth the climb.

Address and opening hours

1 Piazza del Colosseo, Rome, Italy, 00184. Open 8:00 AM to one hour before sunset every day.

2. Capitoline Museums

Best for: archaeology fans

Perched on Capitoline Hill, the Capitoline Museums in Piazza del Campidoglio contain the oldest public collection of antiquities in Europe. Visitors have been coming here to admire the ancient ruins, statues, and artifacts since the 15th century.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the statue of the She-wolf nursing Romulus and Remus.

How long can I spend at the Capitoline Museums?

Set aside 2-3 hours to fully explore the museum’s two buildings.

Address and opening hours

1 Piazza del Campidoglio, Rome, Italy, 00186. Open 9:30 AM-7:30 PM every day.

3. Imperial Forums Museum

Best for: ancient history enthusiasts

With ancient ruins everywhere you look, much of Rome feels like a living museum. This is particularly true at the Imperial Forums Museum, where ruins and models show how these public squares once looked and functioned. It’s the ultimate crash course in Roman politics and architecture.

How long can I spend at the Imperial Forums Museum?

A 1-2 hour visit is perfect for an overview of the museum’s highlights.

Insider tip

Don’t miss the digital reconstructions; they really bring the ancient ruins to life.

Address and opening hours

Via dei Fori Imperiali, Rome, Italy, 00187. Open Monday-Sunday, 8:30 AM-7:00 PM.

4. National Roman Museum

Best for: sculpture and fresco lovers

If you’re into ancient art, you’ll want to see the treasures inside the National Roman Museum (Palazzo Massimo alle Terme). Set in an ancient Roman bathhouse, the museum displays the intriguing world of Ancient Rome through marble sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics that have stood the test of time.

How long can I spend at the National Roman Museum?

Plan for 2-3 hours to cover the museum’s four floors.

Insider tip

Make sure to see the bronze “Boxer at Rest” statue, one of the museum’s most famous pieces.

Address and opening hours

2, Largo di Villa Peretti, Rome, Italy, 00185. Open 11:00 AM-6:00 PM every day except Monday.

5. Welcome To Rome

Best for: first-time visitors

If you’re new to the city and want an essential look at its almost 3,000 years of history, Welcome To Rome is the place to start. This immersive experience includes a cinema and four interactive models to bring the city’s rich history to life at this fun museum. It’s a perfect primer before diving into Rome’s major sites.

How long can I spend at Welcome To Rome?

You’ll need about 1-1.5 hours to enjoy the full experience.

Insider tip

If you’re looking for things to do in Rome with kids, the format of this museum is suitable for families with children.

Address and opening hours

203 Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome, Italy, 00186. Open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

6. Catacombs of Rome

Best for: history with a twist

For a taste of Rome’s eerie past, the Catacombs deliver with its underground burial sites and skeleton-line passages. Tombs and ancient wall art display the life and death of the city’s first Christians, so it’s an equally spooky and informative journey.

How long can I spend at the Catacombs of Rome?

You’ll want 1-2 hours to explore on your own or take a guided tour.

Insider tip

It’s best to bring a light jacket because it gets pretty chilly underground.

Address and opening hours

110/126 Via Appia Antica, Rome, Italy, 00179. Open 9:00 AM-12:00 PM and 2:00 PM-5:00 PM every day except Tuesdays.

7. Borghese Gallery

Best for: art lovers

The Borghese Gallery showcases paintings by many of the greatest Italian artists. Located in the Villa Borghese gardens, the gallery features iconic works by artists like Bernini and Caravaggio. It may be smaller than the big museums, but it's still one of the best art museums in Rome. That’s part of the charm — you can really soak in the art without feeling overwhelmed.

Insider tip

Any guide to visiting the Borghese Gallery will tell you not to miss Bernini’s inspiring “Apollo and Daphne” sculpture.

How long can I spend at the Borghese Gallery?

Tickets are automatically booked for a 2-hour time slot.

Address and opening hours

5 Piazzale Scipione Borghese, Rome, Italy, 00197. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM every day except Mondays.

8. Doria Pamphilj Gallery

Best for: a quiet art experience

High on the list of the best art museums in Rome is the Doria Pamphilj Gallery. It houses works by Raphael, Titian, and more, all set against a backdrop of lavish interiors fit for a grand palace. It’s a quieter, more intimate art experience that feels worlds away from the more crowded spots.

How long can I spend at the Doria Pamphilj Gallery?

1-2 hours is perfect for a full experience.

Insider tip

The museum’s audio guide is highly recommended. It’s narrated by a member of the Pamphilj family and gives a personal touch to the visit.

Address and opening hours

305 Via del Corso, Rome, Italy, 00186. 305 Via del Corso, Rome, Italy, 00186. Open Monday-Thursday, 9:00 AM-7:00 PM, and Friday-Sunday, 10:00 AM-8:00 PM.

9. Castel Gandolfo

Best for: a romantic getaway

Just outside Rome in the Alban Hills, Castel Gandolfo is perfect for a peaceful escape from the city. Known for being the pope’s summer residence, it has the beautiful Barberini Gardens and views of Lake Albano that are straight from a postcard. The museum gives you a unique look at the more private side of papal life.

How long can I spend at Castel Gandolfo?

Plan at least a half-day to explore the villa and grounds.

Insider tip

Make it a full-day trip and visit nearby attractions, including the Vatican Observatory and Palazzo Chigi Ariccia.

Address and opening hours

Castel Gandolfo, Metropolitan City of Rome Capital, Italy, 00040. Open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, and Saturday, 10:00 AM-7:00 PM.

10. National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art

Best for: modern art lovers

Why should I visit the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art?

The National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art is a refreshing break from the classical art Rome is known for. It’s a showcase of Italian and European art from the 19th and 20th centuries. If you’re looking for something different from ancient ruins and Renaissance paintings, this is an excellent choice.

How long can I spend at the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art?

1-2 hours will give you a solid overview of the collection.

Insider tip

Stop by the gallery’s café, often overlooked by visitors, to take a break after your visit.

Address and opening hours

131 Viale delle Belle Arti, Rome, Italy, 00197. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM every day except Monday.

11. House of the Owls

Best for: something out of the ordinary

Hidden away on the grounds of Villa Torlonia, the Casina delle Civette (House of the Owls) is like something from a fairytale. Inside, you’ll find a whimsical collection of Art Nouveau-inspired pieces embracing the beauty of owls, swans, and peacocks. This quirky, cool museum is for those seeking something off the beaten path.

How long can I spend at the House of the Owls?

1 hour is a good amount of time to explore this charming spot.

Insider tip

Bring snacks and have a picnic in the surrounding park for a family outing.

Address and opening hours

70 Villa Torlonia, Via Nomentana, Roma, Italy, 0016. Open 9:00 AM-7:00 PM every day except Mondays.

12. Vatican Museums

Best for: art and religious history fans

Why should I visit the Vatican Museums?

Though technically not located in Rome but surrounded by it, the Vatican Museums are just a short drive from Rome and are absolutely worth a day trip. Inside, you’ll find one of the world’s most important classic and Renaissance art collections, including Michelangelo’s painted ceiling inside the Sistine Chapel.

How long can I spend at the Vatican Museums?

Plan for 3-4 hours to see the highlights, but you could easily spend the entire day.

Insider tip

Skip the lines by booking your tickets ahead of time. Your Vatican Museums ticket includes entry to the Sistine Chapel, and the nearby St. Peter’s Basilica is free to enter.

Address and opening hours

Vatican City, 00120. Open 8:00 AM-7:00 PM every day except Sundays.

FAQs

What are the best museums in Rome?

The Colosseum, the Vatican Museums, and the Capitoline Museums are considered among the best museums in Rome, but there are many great museums to see. The National Etruscan Museum and Centrale Montemartini are also top choices for exploring different aspects of Roman history and culture.

Are there any free museums in Rome?

Yes, several museums in Rome offer free entry. For example, the Museum of the Roman Republic, Napoleonico Museum, and Museo Storico dell’Arma dei Carabinieri are free. At the same time, some of the city’s museums have free admission on certain days, like the last Sunday of the month at the Vatican Museums. When you visit the Vatican Museums, also take advantage of visiting St. Peter’s Basilica, which is always free to enter.

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

Kids will love the Explora Museum, designed for hands-on learning and play. Another great option is Welcome To Rome, which offers a unique experience that’s engaging and cool for younger visitors.

For which museums in Rome are guided tours recommended?

Guided tours are recommended for the Borghese Gallery, where a tour will help you better appreciate the masterpieces on display and understand the stories behind the art. The National Roman Museum and Vatican Museums are other great places to have a guide lead you through the diverse works on display.

Are any museum passes or discount cards available for visiting multiple museums in Rome?

Yes, the Roma Pass, for instance, is a popular option for visiting multiple museums in Rome. This pass includes free public transportation and 48- and 72-hour options.