Rome is a city that is rich in history and culture. If you are looking for things to do in Rome, one of the best options is to visit some of the many museums that the city offers. There is something for everyone at these fascinating museums, from ancient artifacts to modern art. Here are some of the best museums in Rome.
Top 7 Best Museums in Rome
1. Vatican Museum
The Vatican Museum is a must-see for those interested in art and history. This world-famous museum showcases the extensive art collection of the Catholic Church, with everything from Etruscan frescoes to Egyptian mummies. With over 8,000 square meters of exhibition space, you will need more than one visit to see it all.
The Vatican’s Sistine Chapel houses some of the best examples of fresco painting globally. The chapel was initially built by Pope Sixtus IV but was painted by artists including Botticelli, Perugino, and Pinturicchio between 1481 and 1512. The ceiling is famously home to Michelangelo’s masterpiece-the depiction of God giving life to Adam, which took the artist four long years to complete.
Rome is home to some truly spectacular museums-the best in the world! Whether you are interested in ancient Roman artifacts or modern Italian masterpieces, there is something for everyone in this city.
2. Palazzo delle Esposizioni
The Palazzo is another of Rome’s most impressive buildings, and it houses one of the city’s most famous art galleries.
Inside you will find everything from contemporary sculptures to European masterpieces-the museum has over 100 rooms with different nationalities and periods. It also hosts various temporary exhibitions, such as ‘Picasso and the Ballets Russes,’ which showcases Pablo Picasso’s most famous ballet designs.
The museum is split into two wings-one hosts modern artworks while the other features European masterpieces from the 14th and 18th centuries. Galleria Doria Pamphilj houses one of the best art collections in Rome. It features classic European paintings, with stunning 17th-century baroque style works on display.
3. The Borghese Gallery
The Borghese Gallery is one of the best museums in Rome. A must-see for art lovers! This world-famous gallery showcases a fascinating collection of classic European artwork, including some famous pieces by Caravaggio and Bernini.
There are over 500 paintings on display at the gallery, with everything from 15th-century renaissance works to 20th-century Italian paintings. Some of the most famous works are displayed in the Galleria Nazionale, including important sculptures by Bernini.
The museum is housed inside a beautiful 16th-century Villa Borghese, which was once home to Cardinal Scipione Borghese. You can also enjoy stunning views of Rome from the gardens-a great way to finish off a visit!
4. Palazzo Colonna – Galleria Colonna
The Palazzo is another stunning building in Rome and was once home to the aristocratic Colonna family. Now, it’s one of the most important private art galleries in all of Italy. You can find over 400 paintings from famous European artists here-the best examples from the 14th to 19th centuries.
Palazzo Colonna features paintings by classic European artists, including Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Peter Paul Rubens. The gallery also has several 18th-century French masterpieces on display and some stunning works by Italian artists like Raffaello and Canaletto.
5. Museo Nazionale Romano
Museo Nazionale Romano, or National Roman Museum, houses many fantastic collections from ancient Rome. The museum is home to some of the best-preserved Roman artworks in all of Europe and a top-notch collection of Greek art from antiquity.
The galleries include everything from life-size Roman sculptures to stunning examples of architectural decoration from ancient Rome. It also houses some essential mosaics and other more minor works simultaneously.
Museo Nazionale Romano is a great place to explore the ancient Roman culture and art and several other classical civilizations.
6. Doria Pamphilj Gallery
The Doria Pamphilj Gallery houses what is believed to be one of the best art collections in Rome, with an emphasis on paintings. There are over 300 works on display here-with pieces from 15th-century renaissance artists like Bellini and Carpaccio, along with 17th-century baroque masterpieces by artists like Salzillo and Ribera.
Some of the most famous paintings on display are Caravaggios, like ‘The Beheading of St John.’ There are also many large-scale European paintings by artists like Brueghel, Murillo, and Velazquez.
When visiting this museum, you should take some time to enjoy the interior of Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. It was once home to Rome’s aristocratic families and is a stunning example of baroque architecture.
7. Villa Farnesina
Villa Farnesina is a Renaissance villa and one of the best museums in Rome. It was once home to Agostino Chigi, a famous Italian banker, and patron of the arts. The villa itself was created by some of the best Italian architects, Severo da Ravenna and Baldassarre Peruzzi.
Villa Farnesina houses over 70 rooms, which showcases its art collections in a stunning setting. With important examples of early Italian Renaissance style paintings by Raphael and Sebastiano del Piombo. You can also see incredible ceiling paintings by famous baroque artists like Guercino and Domenichino.
There are many educational things to do in Rome, but not all of the best museums in the city are purely educational. Some of them are considered part of Europe’s finest art collections. Despite this, if you’re looking for a way to learn more about the city and its past, there are some fantastic opportunities available.
I hope you enjoyed reading about the best museums in Rome. This is just a tiny sample of what to see and do while visiting this wonderful city. If you plan to travel there soon, check out our blog post for more tips!
