Many of Rome's museums feature impressive architecture and fascinating relics of ancient times. However, the only one that can claim itself as the oldest in the world is the Capitoline Museums.

From sculptures to artworks, coins, tapestries, frescoes and more, you can see it all by purchasing Capitoline Museums tickets.

Some of the most famous names of Italian history have their work showcased in the museum, such as Michelangelo and Caravaggio. Capitoline Museums should be on every art and history enthusiast's bucket list in Rome.

Here's everything you need to know about Capitoline Museum, one of the most underrated museums in Rome.

How much are Capitoline Museums tickets?

The Capitoline Museums ticket prices in the absence of temporary exhibitions are as follows:

Full price (non-residents): €11.50
Reduced rate (non-residents): €9.50
Full price (residents): €10.50
Reduced rate (residents): €8.50

These rates are only available to those who pre-book online.

There are several exhibitions at the museum, which include "Cursus Honorum," "I Colori dell'Antico" and The Legacy of Caesar and the Conquest of Time. If you wish to visit these, you can purchase integrated Capitoline Museum tickets online or at the ticket office.

By purchasing your ticket in advance, you’ll be subject to a €1 fee. You can see the prices for integrated tickets below:

Full price (non-residents): €16
Reduced rate (non-residents): €14
Full price (residents): €15
Reduced rate (residents): €13

Children under 6 years old visit the museum and its exhibitions for free.

Are there discounted Capitoline Museums tickets?

Holders of a MIC card can visit the museum for free. The Rome Pass also entitles users to access the museum for free or at a reduced rate.

Capitoline Museums tickets are also free for persons with disabilities and an accompanying person. Primary and secondary school children can also visit the museum for free.

What are the most popular Capitoline Museums tours?

Capitoline Museums skip-the-line small group tour

This Capitoline Museum tour takes three hours and allows you to avoid the queues on arrival. You'll meet your knowledgeable guide at the Piazza del Campidoglio and embark on a whirlwind tour of Capitoline Hill and its history.

You'll pay a visit to the St. Mary of Aracoeli Basilica, as well as the museum. You'll also learn about how Michelangelo played a role in the design of the square.

Capitoline Museums plus ancient Rome multimedia experience

The tour starts off with an introductory video to get you immersed in ancient Roman life. The multimedia experience is exciting and prepares you to see the ancient relics on show around the site. You're then free to explore the Capitoline Museum at your own pace and discover its many ancient artifacts.

Capitoline Museums guided tour

If you're looking to dive deeper into the history of the artworks and artifacts in the Capitoline Museum, consider taking a guided tour. You'll have an art historian guide on this three-hour tour of the museum who will talk you through the most notable exhibits. Some of these relics date back to the second century.

Continuing on the tour, you'll make your way slowly to the Arch of Constantine where the trip ends. On the way, you'll pass by Piazza Venezia, Trajan's Column and the Colosseum, as well as several other historic monuments.

Are there any combined tickets or tours including Capitoline Museum and other attractions?

● Capitoline Hill and Capitoline Museum private skip-the-line tour: View the Eternal City from above on one of Rome's seven hills, before taking a private tour of the historical Capitoline Museum.

Can you visit the Capitoline Museum for free?

Visitors can get free entry to the Capitoline Museum on the first Sunday of every month. Bear in mind that if you visit the museum on this date, you will likely have to queue.

Should you book Capitoline Museums tickets in advance?

Reserving Capitoline Museum tickets in advance allows you to skip the line when you arrive at the site. Most attractions in Rome have queues, so priority access is a bonus when it's available. This will enable you to spend more time enjoying the city and less time waiting in the scorching sun.

What will you see at the museum?

The Capitoline Museum is the oldest public museum in the world and dates back to 1734. It comprises of three buildings— Palazzo Senatorio, Palazzo dei Conservatori and Palazzo Nuovo which were built between the 12th and 17th centuries.

Artworks on display in the Capitoline Museum include paintings by Caravaggio and sculptures by Michelangelo. The museum is home to a vast collection of art and artifacts, including many iconic Roman statues such as the Capitoline Wolf and the Bust of Constantine.

An interesting fact is that the statue in the center of the piazza which depicts Emperor Marcus Aurelius astride a horse is a replica. The original monument is located within the museum.

The museum also houses an extensive coin collection, and its archives contain some of the earliest surviving records of the Roman Republic.

There are often temporary exhibitions at the site which depict different events and figures in Ancient Rome.

In addition to its historical significance, the Capitoline Museum is also renowned for its prime setting atop Capitoline Hill. From its elevated position, the museum offers panoramic views of the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill.

Whether you are interested in history or art, or simply want to enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, a visit to the Capitoline Museum is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

When is the best time to visit the Capitoline Museum?

The Capitoline Museum is open between 9:30 AM and 7:30 PM every day. If you want to guarantee a visit, you should aim to get to the museum early and avoid the crowds.

In terms of your Rome itinerary, there is no right or wrong time to visit the site. However, you may find yourself more interested in the excavated and restored ruins once you've seen some of the other ancient monuments around the city.

How to reach the Capitoline Museum?

Planning a Capitoline Museum visit is easy, as you can access it from any point in the center of Rome. The building is located on the Piazza Venezia.

One option is to take the Line B metro and disembark at the Colosseum station (Colosseo). From there, it's a short 10-minute journey by foot to the Capitoline Museum, alongside the Roman Forum.

The second option is to take the bus. Most of the public buses in central Rome pass by the Piazza Venezia, and all of the Hop on Hop off tourist buses do too.

What are the other museums in Rome?

Tips for your visit

Pre-book your Capitoline Museum tickets in advance to skip the line on arrival.
Flash photography is prohibited inside the museum, as well as capturing the building with a video camera.
Large bags are not allowed on a tour of the Capitoline Museum, so avoid visiting on the way to or from the airport if you're not traveling light.

Capitoline Museum: Tickets and Tours