Caravaggio National Gallery is a world-renowned museum in Rome, Italy, dedicated to the works of the Italian Baroque painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio (1571-1610). Founded in 1881, the gallery houses more than 400 of Caravaggio’s works, making it one of the largest collections of his art in the world.
History
The National Gallery of Caravaggio was founded in 1881 by the Marquis Giacomo Durini, who was passionate about the works of Caravaggio. He collected many of the artist’s paintings and commissioned copies of other works, creating an impressive collection of over 400 paintings, drawings, prints and sculptures.
In 1934, the collection was moved to its current location in the Palazzo Barberini, where it has been open to the public ever since. The gallery also houses a library with over 8,000 books related to Caravaggio and his works.
Collections
The Caravaggio National Gallery is home to some of the artist’s most famous works, including The Calling of Saint Matthew (1599-1600), The Conversion of Saint Paul (1600-1601), The Death of the Virgin (1601-1602), and The Martyrdom of Saint Matthew (1602-1603). Other highlights include The Crucifixion of Saint Peter (1600-1601) and The Supper at Emmaus (1601).
The gallery also contains a number of Caravaggio’s drawings, including The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (1599-1600) and The Raising of Lazarus (1601-1602). Additionally, the museum houses a selection of prints and sculptures by Caravaggio and his followers.
Exhibitions and Events
The Caravaggio National Gallery hosts a number of exhibitions and events throughout the year, such as lectures, workshops and special exhibitions. The museum also offers guided tours and educational programs for school groups.
Visiting
The Caravaggio National Gallery is open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Admission is €10 for adults and €5 for children and students. Guided tours are available for an additional fee.
Getting There
The Caravaggio National Gallery is located in the heart of Rome, close to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. The nearest Metro station is Spagna, which is a short walk away.
Nearby Attractions
The Caravaggio National Gallery is located in the heart of Rome, close to a number of attractions. Nearby attractions include the:
- Spanish Steps
- Trevi Fountain
- Pantheon
- Villa Borghese
- Galleria Borghese