The Capitoline Museums in Rome are one of the oldest museums in the world and are housed in two palaces located on the Capitoline Hill, the seat of the Roman Empire. They are considered one of the most important cultural institutions in Italy and the world. The museums are home to a wide range of collections, from antiquities to modern art, and include some of the most famous sculptures in the world.
History
The Capitoline Museums were first established in 1471 by Pope Sixtus IV, who donated a group of bronze statues of the ancient Roman gods to the city of Rome. The collection was later expanded by successive Popes, who added works of art from their personal collections, and by the city of Rome itself. Today, the Capitoline Museums are the oldest public museums in the world, and are considered to be among the most important cultural institutions in Italy and the world.
Collections
The Capitoline Museums are home to an impressive array of art and artifacts, ranging from ancient Greek and Roman sculptures to Renaissance paintings, baroque works, and modern art. Among the most famous works in the collection are the Capitoline Wolf, the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the statue of the goddess Roma. Other highlights include the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the busts of the Caesars, and the marble sculptures of Apollo and Daphne.
Galleries
The Capitoline Museums are divided into two main galleries, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo. The Palazzo dei Conservatori houses the main collection of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, while the Palazzo Nuovo houses a collection of Renaissance and baroque art. Both galleries also feature temporary exhibitions, educational activities, and special events.
Palazzo dei Conservatori
- The Palazzo dei Conservatori houses the main collection of ancient Roman and Greek sculptures, including the famous Capitoline Wolf, the bronze statue of Marcus Aurelius, and the statue of the goddess Roma.
- The Palazzo also features a number of important Renaissance and baroque works, such as the equestrian statue of Marcus Aurelius, the busts of the Caesars, and the marble sculptures of Apollo and Daphne.
Palazzo Nuovo
- The Palazzo Nuovo houses a collection of Renaissance and baroque art, as well as a number of important modern works.
- The Palazzo also features temporary exhibitions, educational activities, and special events.
Visiting the Capitoline Museums
The Capitoline Museums are open daily from 9am to 8pm, with last admission at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. The Capitoline Museums are accessible to visitors with disabilities.