Capitoline Museums

Interesting facts

1. 1

   Pope Sixtus IV donated a collection of bronze sculptures to the people of Rome in 1471, marking the museum's official founding.

2. 2

   The equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius in the museum is the original; the one standing in the piazza outside is a modern replica.

3. 3

   The Galleria Lapidaria connects the two palaces and is housed in a 1930s-built tunnel running under the Piazza del Campidoglio.

4. 4

   The Palazzo Nuovo was specifically constructed to house the expanding collection, opening to the public in 1734.

5. 5

   The colossal head of the statue of Constantine weighs approximately 8 tons.

6. 6

   The museum grounds include the remains of the ancient Roman Tabularium, the official record office of the city.

7. 7

   The 'Capitoline She-Wolf' statue, once thought to be an ancient Etruscan masterpiece, was scientifically dated to the Middle Ages.

Overview

The Capitoline Museums, established in 1471, represent the world's oldest public museum collection. The complex spans two primary buildings, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, connected by an underground tunnel known as the Galleria Lapidaria. The site is situated on the Capitoline Hill atop the ancient Tabularium, providing direct access to a panoramic view of the Roman Forum. Its collection features significant Roman statuary, including the original bronze equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius and the Capitoline She-Wolf. The site layout was masterfully redesigned by Michelangelo, who also designed the surrounding Piazza del Campidoglio. The museum houses the fragments of the colossal statue of Constantine, including the head, hand, and knee. Visitors can explore the Temple of Jupiter ruins embedded within the structural foundations of the museums. The collection focuses heavily on Roman antiquity, medieval, and Renaissance art.

Insider tips

• Start your visit at the Palazzo dei Conservatori to see the grander sculptural pieces before moving to the Palazzo Nuovo.

• Use the underground Galleria Lapidaria to traverse between buildings to avoid exiting and re-entering the security checkpoints.

• Take the elevator to the rooftop terrace for one of the most unobstructed views of the Roman Forum.