Museums and Galleries of Rome

Capitoline Museum is the first museum in the world created in 1432 by a Pope. It houses the most famous collection of Ancient Roman art including the dying Gaul, the only surviving bronze Equestrian statue in Rome, a bust of Michelangelo, tapestries depicting the founding of Rome and most surprising of all, the original bronze she-wolf of legend that raised the Romulus and Remus twins and of 5th bc.

Palazzo Massimo has another stupendous collection of Roman Art such as the famous bronze boxer, remains of Caligula’s boat palace, the girl from Anzio, incredible frescoes from the house of Livia and brilliant mosaics from private homes.

Palazzo Altemps houses the outstanding suicide of the Gaul taking his wife with him, other Roman deities and divinities in the hallowed rooms of the Altemps family palace.

Terme di Diocleziano is another store of Roman art, a large collection of coins, inscriptions and marble pieces that exhibit Roman life.

Museum of La Civilta Romana lies in the fascist showroom of Mussolini, EUR. The museum has a massive plastic model of ancient Rome. Inside are displayed fascinating reconstructions of Roman civic life. Models of war machinery used by the Romans are displayed. All of which give a fulfilling education for those who have a passion for Ancient Rome like myself.

Central Montemartini an ex thermo-power plant exhibits elegant Roman statues from Temples, villas and gardens. The age range of the exhibit dates from 3rd BC to the 3rd AD. It also includes a mosaic of hunting scenes that can be seen from above – magnificent. ‘Gods and Machines’ a title that encapsulates the character of this museum.

This gallery lying along the Tiber river in Trastevere is a gemstone of Renaissance art. It houses works painted by none other than Raphael Sanzio, and Baldassare Peruzzi (the architect), Sodoma, among others. The model Renaissance villa was built by Agostino Chigi, the richest man in the Western world in the 15th century. The walls, ceilings and upper panels are beautifully and purposefully decorated with 'most-pleasing to the eye' frescoes - It's like savouring a dessert after a good meal.