The 7 Absolute Best Museums in Rome

Heading to Rome but unsure which of the 60-plus museums to visit or what to see other than the Sistine Chapel? In this guide, you’ll find the best museums to visit in Rome and what famous must-see artworks they have on display.

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Pro Tip: Bookmark this article in a “Rome” folder in your browser. This way, you can circle back to it when you’re in Rome looking for great museums to visit. Also, check out our dedicated guide to planning your visit to Rome with all the info you’ll need, and our top-rated Rome tours.

The Top Museums in Rome

Rome has been around for just over 2600 years, and in that time some of the greatest collections of art in the world have found homes in the city’s museums and galleries. With over 60 museums, you won’t be able to see them all in one trip to the Eternal City.

So, we’ve created this shortlist of the best museums to get you started including a short list of the iconic masterpieces each of them hold. Whether you have specific art interests or simply want to visit museums with fewer crowds, here are the best museums in Rome.

7. MAXXI Museum

The MAXXI museum is Rome’s main modern art gallery. It features many rotating exhibits, which makes it popular with locals. The name MAXXI stands for Museo Nazionale delle Arte dei XXI secolo. Pretty creative.

The building was designed by Zaha Hadid, an Iraqi-British architect, and is a work of modern mastery in itself. Through its modern design, it elevates the museum as a reference in both modern art and architecture. Also, there are many larger interior and exterior works of art to explore here.

Address: Via Guido Reni, 4a | Admission Cost €12 (+ cost of special exhibitions, which you can consult here).

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6. Palazzo Massimo alle Terme (Museo Nationale Romano)

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is an excellent museum that would probably be in the top spot on a list like this in any other city. But this is Rome, and there’s a lot vying for your attention. However, don’t pass up the chance to see it.

While this museum is very similar to many of the galleries on this list, it has one important advantage: you simply won’t find crowds here. You can stroll into the Palazzo Massimo with a reservation, buy a ticket, and enjoy tons of incredible works of art with few people (compared to the Vatican). Like all the museums on this list, we recommend a tour and can provide a private tour of this amazing space. Contact us for more info: info@thetourguy.com

Famous Works of Art Inside:

• Frescoes of Villa Farnesina
• Portonaccio Sarcophagus
• Collection of Ancient Coins (massive and impressive collection)
• Sleeping Hermaphroditus
• Via Cassia Mummy
• Ludovisi Hermes
• Tiber Apollo
• Discobolus of Casteloporziano

Address: Largo di Villa Peretti 2 | Admission Cost:  €8 

5. Palazzo Altemps (Museo Nationale Romano)

Most Rome experts wouldn’t place this museum so high on this list. However, I try to visit this museum as often as possible because of two statues.

The first is the Galata Ludovisi. In English, it’s named the Ludovisi Gaul or the Galatian Suicide. With an extremely romantic albeit twisted story, it’s my favorite ancient statue in Rome. The second is the Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus with its absolutely breathtaking relief—words really can’t describe it!

Like most museums in Rome, this is a private collection that was eventually handed over to the state, either as a gift or due to a lack of heirs. 

Famous Works of Art Inside:

• Throne with the Birth of Venus
• Ludovisi Dionysus
• Ludovisi Throne
• The Galatian Suicide
• Ludovisi Battle sarcophagus
• The Courtyard

Address: Piazza di Sant’Apollinare, 46 | Admission Cost:  €8 

Pro Tip: If you plan to visit both the Palazzo Massimo and Palazzo Altemps, you can buy a combined ticket that gives you access to these two (plus two additional national Roman museum sites) for €12. The combined ticket is valid for one week from the day of purchase.

4. Palazzo Barberini

Rome is such a special city when it comes to museums and artwork. In any other place, the Palazzo Barberini would be the main gallery to see.  Fortunately for you, Rome has a ton of other museums and must-see attractions, leaving these hidden gems practically empty.

The Barberini Palace houses the National Gallery of Ancient Art and contains works by the likes of Tintoretto, El Greco, and Caravaggio, among others. Built in the 17th century, the palace was owned and occupied by the famed Barberini family of Rome.

The man who would later become the infamous Pope Urban VIII purchased this plot of land from the Sforza family (hailing from Milan) who were using it as a vineyard. He quickly made plans to build an impressive structure with the help of famed architect Carlo Moderno. After Moderno’s death, the job went to Gian Lorenzo Bernini. It was finished in 1633 and filled with art.

It’s important to mention that Borromini, an iconic architect and sculptor, was originally working with Moderno on the project prior to his death. He most likely expected to take it over, but the commission went to Bernini instead. Borromini continued to work on the project and there was no news of dramatics, but the hit to his ego may have motivated him to build one of the most beautiful spiral staircases of all time, the Holicodial Staircase.

Famous Works of Art Inside:

• Exterior Facade and Gardens
• Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power by Pietro Cortona (Incredible)
• Helicoidal Staircase by Borromini (most notable attraction)
• Judith Beheading Holofernes by Caravaggio (very powerful)
• La Fornarina by Raphael (his famed mistress)
• Annuciation by Filippo Lippi
• The Last Judgement by Fra Angelico
• Et in Arcadia Edo by Guericino

Address: Via delle Quattro Fontane, 13 | Admission Cost:  €12

3. The Capitoline Museum

The Capitoline Museum or Musei Capitolini is definitely the full package. The theme of the museum is more ancient history, which is befitting as it sits on the outer edge of the Roman Forum with one of the best views.

The museum is split into three buildings: The Palazzo Senatorio, which was built in the 12th century, updated by Michelangelo himself, and overlooks the forum; the Palazzo dei Conservatori, which was built in the 16th century and also redesigned by Michelangelo; and the Palazzo Nuovo, which was built in the 17th century and sits directly across from the Palazzo Conservatori with a mirror-image exterior design.

Michelangelo had a massive effect on the exterior appeal of this museum complex. He not only designed the format of these museums but also the stairs leading up to Piazza Campidoglio, which are named La Cordonata.  

Famous Works of Art Inside:

• La Cordonata
• Piazza Campidoglio
• View of the Roman Forum from the back of Palazzo Senetorio
• The Dying Gaul
• Head of the Colossal Statue of Constantine I
• Eros Thanatos
• Bust of Augustus
• Commodus as Hercules (gotta love Commodus!)
• Heracles Fighting
• Triton
• The Pinario
• Baby Hercules Strangling a Snake
• Capitoline Wolf
• Bernini’s Medusa
• Statue of Horti Lamiani
• Cupid and Psyche
• Statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius (most notable attraction)

Address: Piazza del Campidoglio, 1 | Admission Cost: €11.50 + Exhibition fee (3€ to 4€ extra, which varies)

2. The Borghese Gallery (Galleria Borghese)

The Borghese Gallery is a small, unassuming museum, but one of Rome’s most enjoyable. One advantage of this museum is that you’ll get to see arguably one of the greatest collections of Baroque artwork under one roof without the large crowds of other top museums.

At the Borghese Gallery, they limit the number of visitors entering at a time to 360 visitors and they limit the time you can spend inside to 2 hours, which is the perfect amount of time to visit this gallery. To get the most out of your visit, find out what you need to know about visiting the Borghese Gallery and see a detailed list of the top things to see at the Borghese Gallery.

This gallery is home to at least ten high-profile works by Gian Lorenzo Bernini. You’ll also find paintings by masters such as Caravaggio, Raphael, Peter Paul Rubens, and more.

The Borghese Gallery is my absolute favorite tour to lead because I really enjoy a good story. Baroque art itself is passionate as evidenced in the sharp movements, and there’s a lot to discover. Check out our Private Borghese Gallery Tour: It’s a shorter tour and reasonably priced for a private experience—just your group and the guide. It’ll be a highlight of your art experience in Rome.

Address: Piazzale Scipione Borghese 5 | Admission Cost: €15 (can fluctuate based on exhibitions)

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1. The Vatican Museums

The Vatican Museums or Musei Vaticani contain one of the best collections of art on Earth. It’s home to countless masterpieces including Michelangelo’s famed Sistine Chapel.

Countless visitors pass through this incredible chapel without ever realizing that Sandro Botticelli, one of the greatest artists ever to live, painted multiple wall panels. A trip to Rome would not be complete without visiting the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel.

Famous Works of Art Inside:

• Sistine Chapel
• The Gallery of the Maps
• St. Peter’s Basilica
• Lacoön Group
• Apollo Belvedere
• Great Torso
• The Transfiguration by Raphael
• St. Matthew by Guido Reni
• The Raphael Rooms
• The Borgia Apartments
• Garden of Eden by Wenzel Peter

There’s so much to see that we always recommend a tour of the Vatican Museums. Our expert local guides really make the experience come alive. We have a great list of Vatican tours that range from small groups to private experiences based on your budget, as well as exclusive access tours with fewer people. See our Best Vatican Tours to Take and Why for more information on which tour is best for you. We also have a dedicated guide to the Vatican, where you’ll find everything you need to plan your visit.

Address: The Vatican City Museums Entrance | Admission Cost: €17 (additional fees to reserve in advance)