Musei Capitolini
Discover the Capitoline Museums with a Vespa tour: a unique adventure between art and history in the heart of Rome. Capitoline Museums tour by bike: pedal among Roman wonders and admire masterpieces of sculpture and painting. Explore the Capitoline Museums and Piazza del Campidoglio on a guided scooter tour for a day of art! Experience a tour of the Capitoline Museums by tuk-tuk: comfort and style to discover the treasures of ancient Rome!
What you need to know about the Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums, located in Rome, are considered the world’s first public museum, founded in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV. They are located on the historic Piazza del Campidoglio and include the Palazzo dei Conservatori, the Palazzo Nuovo, and the Palazzo Senatorio. These museums hold an extraordinary collection of art and archaeological artifacts, including masterpieces such as the Capitoline She-Wolf, the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the Dying Galata. The collections range from ancient Rome to the Renaissance and Baroque, offering an in-depth view of the city’s artistic and cultural history. In addition, the Capitoline Museums organize temporary exhibitions, educational activities and interactive tours that enrich the visitor experience.
“Roman and Greek Sculptures“: The Capitoline Museums house one of the most important collections of ancient sculpture. Among the most famous works are “Capitoline She-wolf”: a symbol of Rome, representing the legend of the city’s founding. “Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius”: the original is located inside the museum, while a copy is displayed in Capitoline Square. “Capitoline Venus”: one of the finest representations of the goddess Venus. “Dying Galata”: a masterpiece of Hellenistic sculpture depicting a wounded Galata warrior.
“Pinacoteca Capitolina“: The painting gallery houses works by great Italian and European artists, including: Caravaggio: “Saint John the Baptist.” Guido Reni: “Saint Sebastian.” Titian, Rubens and Veronese: represented with outstanding works from the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
Epigraphic and Numismatic Collections: A rich display of ancient inscriptions and coins that tell the economic and cultural history of ancient Rome.
Gallery of Medieval and Modern Art: Alongside ancient works, there are also artifacts and works from the medieval, Renaissance, and modern periods, showing the evolution of Italian art.
Buildings and Architecture: The Capitoline Museums are located in three historic buildings on the Capitoline Square, designed by Michelangelo: “Palazzo dei Conservatori”: Houses numerous statues and frescoes, including the famous Capitoline Wolf. “Palazzo Nuovo”: With collections of Roman sculpture and rooms showing the history of the city. “Palazzo Senatorio”: Seat of the Rome City Council, with splendid views of the city and only partially accessible.
Curiosities
The World’s First Public Museum: The Capitoline Museums are considered the first public museum in history, officially founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of ancient bronzes to the people of Rome. The idea of a museum accessible to all was a first.
The Equestrian Statue of Marcus Aurelius: The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius on display in the museum is the only bronze sculpture of a Roman emperor that has survived almost intact. It remained intact because in the Middle Ages it was believed to be the image of Constantine, the first Christian emperor, and was therefore spared from casting.
The Mystery of the Capitoline She-wolf: The famous Capitoline She-wolf, the symbol of Rome, has sparked debates about its origin. It was thought to be an Etruscan work from the 5th century B.C., but recent studies have suggested that the she-wolf sculpture dates back to the Middle Ages, while the twins Romulus and Remus were added in the 15th century.
The Elephant Skull: An ancient elephant skull is on display in the courtyard of the Capitoline Museums. This find may have inspired legends of giant creatures, such as the mythical Cyclops Polyphemus of the Odyssey, imagined as a giant with only one eye.
Michelangelo’s Capitol Square: The square on which the Capitoline Museums stand was designed by Michelangelo in the 16th century, a work of Renaissance architecture that represents a meeting point between ancient and modern. Michelangelo also created a flight of steps to facilitate access, turning the Capitol into an artistic and architectural landmark.
The Pinacoteca Capitolina and Caravaggio: The Pinacoteca Capitolina possesses several masterpieces by Caravaggio, including “Saint John the Baptist.” The Roman artist was known for his turbulent life, and many believe that the faces of the saints in his works reflect real people encountered in the taverns and slums of Rome.
Coin Collections and the Roman Coinage: The Capitoline Museums house one of the oldest numismatic collections, telling the economic history of ancient Rome. Among the coins, there are also rare specimens representing important historical events such as the death of Julius Caesar and the advent of Augustus.
The Secret Passage between Museums: There is an underground passageway, called the “Lapidary Gallery,” that connects the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. This passage is part of the tour and contains a number of ancient inscriptions that tell curious stories of Roman daily life.
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