Museums & galleries
Capitoline Museums
Capitoline Museums
Located on Capitoline Hill, this art museum consists of the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, which are linked by an underground passage. The buildings were designed by Michelangelo and house a collection of 15th- to 18th-century artworks gathered by various popes. Visitors go here to view classical sculptures and Renaissance art within a historical architectural setting.
Getting There
The museums are centrally located in Rome. From the city center, most visitors reach the site via a short walk or by using the local bus network. Depending on your starting point in the central district, the journey typically takes 10 to 20 minutes.
Visit Duration
Due to the volume of artworks and the layout of the two connected palaces, allow approximately 3 to 5 hours to explore the main galleries and collections.
When to Visit
The museums get crowded, particularly during peak tourist seasons and midday. To avoid the largest crowds, arrive early in the morning. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (spring or autumn) generally offers a more manageable experience than the summer months.
Nearby Attractions
Because of its location on the hill, the museum can be combined with several nearby historical sites:
- Santa Maria in Aracoeli (0.1km)
- Temple of Saturn (0.1km)
- Arch of Septimius Severus (0.2km)
- Altare della Patria (0.2km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors