Museo di Roma - Palazzo Braschi

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The palace was built on the site of the former Palazzo Orsini, demolished to make room for the new papal family residence.

2. 2

   It was the last of the great aristocratic palaces constructed by a papal family in Rome.

3. 3

   The grand staircase is noted for its high-relief stucco statues and expansive proportions intended to impress visitors.

4. 4

   The collection contains 'The Proclamation of the Roman Republic' by Alessandro Castelli, a key piece of 1849 history.

5. 5

   Mussolini's Fascist party headquarters occupied the building during the 1920s.

6. 6

   The museum holds a comprehensive archive of early Roman photography, documenting the transition from papal to secular state control.

Overview

Museo di Roma at Palazzo Braschi occupies an 18th-century neoclassical palace built for the nephew of Pope Pius VI. The museum tracks the social, artistic, and urban evolution of Rome from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. Its collection includes over 100,000 items, ranging from paintings and sculptures to rare photographs and carriage remains. The palace itself features a significant monumental staircase designed by Cosimo Morelli. Highlights include 17th and 18th-century vedute paintings by artists like Gaspar van Wittel and Ippolito Caffi. Temporary exhibitions frequently occupy the upper floors, focusing on Roman history and modern photography. The interior layout retains original stucco decorations and frescoes in several grand rooms.

Insider tips

• Combine your visit with a walk through the surrounding Piazza Navona district.

• Check the official website for temporary exhibitions, as they often require separate access or bookings.

• Use the internal elevator to reach the top floor first and work your way down to fully appreciate the grand staircase.