Rome museums hold some of the most important art and archaeological collections in the Western world, and it’s no accident. As the former capital of a sprawling empire, the seat of the Catholic Church, and the home of powerful aristocratic families, Rome spent centuries accumulating priceless masterpieces, religious relics, and monuments. Papal commissions attracted the likes of Michelangelo, Raphael, and Bernini, while noble dynasties curated vast private collections now open to the public.
Additionally, the proximity to ancient ruins has continuously fed archaeological discoveries into local institutions, making Rome and Vatican City a combined open-air museum with galleries to match.
This guide rounds up the top 14 museums in Rome and Vatican City that deserve a spot on your itinerary. From world-renowned institutions to under-the-radar gems, we’ve included essential tips on what to see, when to go, and how to beat the crowds.
1. Vatican Museums
Located within Vatican City, the Vatican Museums are among the most visited and most important museum complexes in the world. Founded in the early 16th century by Pope Julius II, they house the vast papal collections amassed over centuries, including some of the most celebrated artworks in human history.
Highlights include the Sistine Chapel, with Michelangelo’s iconic ceiling and The Last Judgment fresco; the Raphael Rooms; the Gallery of Maps; and extensive collections of classical antiquities, tapestries, and religious art. The museum route spans several kilometers, so plan to spend several hours here.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, with final entry at 4:00 pm. On the last Sunday of each month, entrance is free. Booking online is highly recommended to avoid notoriously long queues. To get there, head to Viale Vaticano, which is easily reachable via Metro Line A (Ottaviano or Cipro stations). Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly, as Vatican dress codes are enforced.
2. Galleria Borghese
Situated in the heart of Villa Borghese Park, the Galleria Borghese is a jewel among Rome museums. This 17th-century villa offers a highly curated collection that includes many of Italy’s most famous Baroque and Renaissance masterpieces.
You’ll find Bernini’s masterful sculptures (Apollo and Daphne, The Rape of Proserpina), along with paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian. Moreover, the setting—sumptuous rooms adorned with frescoes and decorative marble—makes the visit even more memorable.
To visit the museum, advanced reservation is mandatory due to timed entry. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and remains closed on Mondays. To get there, take Metro Line A to Spagna and then enjoy a scenic 20-minute walk through the park.
3. Capitoline Museums
Overlooking the elegant Piazza del Campidoglio, designed by Michelangelo, the Capitoline Museums are considered the world’s oldest public museums. They are located on Capitoline Hill, one of Rome’s original seven hills, and offer a sweeping view of the Roman Forum.
The two main buildings—Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo—host treasures like the Capitoline Wolf, the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, and colossal remnants of Emperor Constantine’s statue. Paintings by Caravaggio, Rubens, and Titian enrich the experience further.
General admission is around €13, and reduced or free ticket options are also available. The museums are open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, except on major holidays. To reach them, take Metro Line B to Colosseo and walk uphill, or use buses that stop at Piazza Venezia.
4. Castel Sant’Angelo
Originally constructed as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum, Castel Sant’Angelo later served as a fortress, papal refuge, and prison. Today, it houses a museum showcasing its layered history with a compelling mix of military and religious exhibits.
Inside, you can explore Renaissance apartments, defensive ramparts, and a rooftop terrace with one of the best panoramic views over Rome. The interior spiral ramp, carved from stone, is an architectural marvel that spirals from the crypt to the top.
Admission is €15.50, and the museum is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:30 pm, with final entry at 6:30 pm. To get there, take Metro Line A to Lepanto station, followed by a scenic 10-minute walk across Ponte Sant’Angelo, which is a highlight in itself.
5. National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GNAM)
Just north of Villa Borghese, the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art (GNAM) showcases Italian artistic evolution from the 19th century to today. The collection includes works by Canova, Modigliani, Balla, and De Chirico, along with international figures such as Van Gogh, Pollock, and Cézanne.
Its chronological layout helps guide visitors through different movements, while temporary exhibits focus on contemporary trends. The neoclassical building, with airy halls and massive columns, enhances the cultural experience.
General admission costs €10. GNAM is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. You can reach the museum by taking Metro Line A to Flaminio or tram Line 19, both followed by a short walk through the park.
6. Palazzo Colonna
A private noble residence still owned by the Colonna family, Palazzo Colonna opens to the public on limited days but dazzles with its lavish Baroque interiors and one of the oldest private art collections in Rome. The highlight is the Galleria Colonna, a 17th-century gallery filled with ornate frescoes, mirrors, and gilded frames.
Visitors can admire works by Brueghel, Guido Reni, and Veronese, all surrounded by marble columns and dazzling chandeliers. The palazzo also offers glimpses of private apartments, gardens, and views over the Roman Forum.
The gallery is open only on Saturday mornings from 9:00 am to 1:15 pm. Guided tours are recommended and can be booked online in advance. Admission starts at €15. The closest Metro stop is Barberini (Line A), from which it’s a 10-minute walk downhill toward Via della Pilotta.
7. Centrale Montemartini
Housed in a former power plant in the Ostiense district, Centrale Montemartini offers a fascinating contrast between classical sculptures and industrial machinery. Part of the Capitoline Museums, this venue displays Roman statues, busts, and mosaics in front of early 20th-century generators and steam turbines.
This lesser-known museum has fewer crowds, making it a peaceful spot to contemplate ancient art in a bold setting. Tickets cost €11, and it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. To reach it, take Metro Line B to Garbatella and walk around 5 minutes.
8. MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Arts
Designed by Zaha Hadid, the MAXXI is Italy’s first national museum dedicated to contemporary creativity. Located in the Flaminio neighborhood, the museum features changing exhibitions that focus on architecture, visual arts, photography, and design.
Admission is €12, and MAXXI is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. To get there, take tram Line 2 to the Apollodoro stop or walk 15 minutes from Flaminio Metro Station (Line A).
9. Museo Nazionale Romano – Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Part of the National Roman Museum, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is a must for fans of classical antiquity. The museum displays statues, mosaics, frescoes, and coins from ancient Rome, including the Boxer at Rest and Portonaccio Sarcophagus.
Admission is €10, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. It’s conveniently located next to Termini Station, so it’s easily accessible by all Metro lines and regional trains.
10. Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Located on Via del Corso in the city center, Galleria Doria Pamphilj is housed in a still-inhabited palace and offers an atmospheric glimpse into aristocratic Roman life. The richly decorated halls hold a formidable private collection that includes masterpieces by Velázquez, Caravaggio, Raphael, and Titian.
General admission costs €15, and audio guides are included. The gallery is open daily from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm. To get there, take a short walk from either Barberini or Spagna Metro stations (both on Line A).
11. Museo di Roma – Palazzo Braschi
Situated near Piazza Navona, the Museo di Roma at Palazzo Braschi focuses on the city’s evolution from the Middle Ages to the 20th century through paintings, prints, furniture, and costumes. The museum offers insight into the daily life, traditions, and urban development of Rome.
Admission is €11, and the museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can reach it by walking from Piazza Navona or by taking a bus to Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
12. Galleria Spada
The Galleria Spada, located near Campo de’ Fiori, is famous for its forced perspective gallery by Francesco Borromini—a Baroque illusion where a corridor appears much longer than it is. The museum also features works by Guercino, Artemisia Gentileschi, and Caravaggio’s followers.
Admission costs €5, and it’s open Tuesday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 7:30 pm. The nearest tram stop is Arenula-Cairoli on Line 8.
13. Complesso del Vittoriano
Located on Piazza Venezia, the Complesso del Vittoriano is part of the massive white marble monument dedicated to Victor Emmanuel II. It houses temporary exhibitions on art, photography, and history, often featuring major Italian and international artists.
Admission prices vary depending on the exhibition but typically start around €10. The complex is open daily from 9:30 am to 7:30 pm. Reach it by walking from the Colosseo Metro Station (Line B) or using buses that stop at Piazza Venezia.
14. Villa Farnesina
In the Trastevere neighborhood, Villa Farnesina is a Renaissance gem built in the early 16th century for a wealthy Sienese banker. The villa’s highlight is its frescoes by Raphael and Peruzzi, particularly the Loggia of Cupid and Psyche.
Tickets are €10, and the villa is open Monday to Saturday from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. To get there, take tram Line 8 to Trastevere/Mastai and walk a few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Rome isn’t just about ruins and churches—it’s a museum lover’s dream. From ancient marvels to bold contemporary statements, the top museums in Rome bring the city’s history, art, and personality to life. Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning for a deeper dive, these institutions are essential stops for anyone curious about the Eternal City’s artistic soul.