Ara Pacis Museum

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The altar was originally located near the Via Flaminia, about half a mile from its current position.

2. 2

   During the Middle Ages, the altar was completely buried under several meters of alluvial silt from the Tiber River.

3. 3

   Parts of the altar were discovered in the 16th century, but a comprehensive excavation did not occur until the 1930s.

4. 4

   The monument's reconstruction in 1938 was a significant project of the Fascist government, which aimed to link their regime to the Roman Empire.

5. 5

   The relief panels provide one of the few surviving historical records of the actual physical features of Emperor Augustus's family members.

6. 6

   The current museum building was the first major architectural intervention in Rome's historic center in more than 50 years when it was completed.

7. 7

   The interior light is controlled by the glass walls to mimic the original open-air setting while protecting the marble from pollution.

Overview

The Ara Pacis Museum in Rome houses the Altar of Peace, a monument commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BC to honor Augustus's return from Spain and Gaul. The structure is encased in a minimalist, glass-and-steel pavilion designed by architect Richard Meier, which opened in 2006. The altar itself is carved from Luna marble and features intricate reliefs depicting processional figures, mythological scenes, and floral motifs. It represents the height of Augustan sculptural art, emphasizing peace and the prosperity of the Roman Empire. The museum also functions as an exhibition space for temporary displays of ancient and contemporary art. It stands as a focal point for understanding the political ideology of the early Roman Empire.

Insider tips

• Check the museum's official website for temporary exhibition schedules, as these often require separate entry or advanced booking.

• Visit the lower level to see the digital reconstructions that help visualize the altar's original painted colors.