Exploring the best museums in Rome: A paradise for culture vultures

Scholars of art and mere enthusiasts will relish the chance to explore the best museums in Rome. From classical to contemporary times, Rome’s cultural institutions house an impressive collection that will leave you wanting to explore more. Whether you are travelling with your partner or are planning a girl's trip, a getaway to Rome to explore its museums is never a bad idea. But with so much to see and so little time, forward planning is essential for exploring the best museums of Rome. Are you ready to start exploring?

You can't talk about the museums of Rome without mentioning the Vatican Museums, home to the world's largest and most valuable art collections. Julius II, elected Pope in 1509 founded the collection. To get the most out of your visit, staying at the Hotel Midas Roma, just a few kilometres from the museum will give you the perfect vantage point for exploring Renaissance art, classicism and world-famous artworks up close.

While the museums are a breathtaking experience, the Sistine Chapel takes things to a new level. Stepping inside this emblematic building is like attending an intensive history of art lesson. From elaborate sculptures and artefacts to majestic paintings and frescoes, the entire history of Western art is on display here. Expect to see Raphael’s The School of Athens and the impressive Gallery of Maps as well as frescos from Michaelangelo. So, if you are looking for the best museums in Rome, add this to your list. 

The Capitoline Museums located on the hill of the same name are considered to be a must for anyone looking for in-depth knowledge of Rome. Dating back to 1471, their collection of works features classical Roman art and sculptures such as the famous statue of Marcus Aurelius and Luperca - the she-wolf that suckled Romulus and Remus, the founders of Rome. With so much to explore within just one museum, it is worth booking a room at the Occidental Aran Park in order to rest and relax between museum hopping.

Located in the beautiful, 17th century, Villa Borghese Gardens, the Borghese Gallery is one of the most outstanding cultural institutions in Rome. Step into its fragrant garden and soak up the beauty of nature before heading inside to admire sculptures by Bernini – such as Apollo and Daphne in addition to paintings by Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian. 

With world-class examples of Renaissance and Baroque art to admire, this museum and the park that surrounds it is a must-visit in Rome and a wonderful way to shelter from the city’s scorching summertime heat.

If you are looking for something more contemporary, MAXXI Museum, Rome is one of the best museums in Rome for modern art. In fact, it is Italy’s first national museum dedicated exclusively to 21st-century art. Zaha Hadid designed the museum space, a work of art in itself and inside visitors can explore temporary exhibitions by international names on the contemporary art scene. Yet, it is not just an art space. If you are lucky you may be able to catch one of the cultural events, shows or screenings that take place in this iconic space. Avant-garde, bold and showcasing the freshest talent in the art world - MAXXI is a must-visit art gallery in Rome if you are looking for something different. 

Not all museums in Rome are art galleries. Inside some of the most emblematic buildings lie closely guarded collections of ancient artefacts, timeless fashion collections and objects of beauty. Plan a post-summer city break to avoid the crowds and soak up the art and culture of Rome. If you are keen to discover more about the history of Rome, the fall of the ancient empire, or the master craftsmanship that has become Italy’s pride and joy - these are some of the must-visit museums in Rome.

Those keen to explore the lesser-known museums in Rome will fall in love with the Palazzo Doria Pamphilj. Yet, while it may not be as famous as other art institutions it holds an impressive collection of works by Velázquez, Caravaggio and Raphael. Its off-the-beaten-track appeal means you admire the works in a peaceful environment as you walk through its halls and galleries. If you are looking for art museums in Rome but want to avoid the crowds, this is a wonderful place to get your cultural fix.

Travel back in time and immerse yourself in the heart of the Roman Empire at the Museo Nazionale Romano. A must-visit for fans of ancient Rome, this museum is divided into several sections, each depicting a specific location around the city. The most notable of them all are the Palazzo Altemps and the Baths of Diocletian. Here, you can feast your eyes on a vast collection of artefacts, from marble statues to mosaics and frescoes. It is easy to imagine what life was like back in the day as you wander through the museum’s halls.

Dedicated to decorative arts, costume and Italian fashion, the Boncompagni Ludovisi Museum, located in the villa of the same name, is a fashion lover’s dream. The building itself is an Instagram-worthy architectural dream, but what lies inside is a real delight. Split across five rooms, the space is decorated in its original splendour with ornate furniture, tapestries, paintings and ceramics selected for all to admire. 

Yet, what makes this museum stand out is the vast collection of contemporary designer fashion from designers such as Valentino, Roberto Capucci, Fausto Sarli, Marella Ferrera, André Laug and Raffaella Curiel among others. Adding to the collection are the private collections from fashion collectors such as the fashion journalist Maria Vittoria Caruso Alfonsi and art historian Palma Bucarelli. 

A must for any British visiting the city, the Keats-Shelley Museum in Rome offers a charming escape for literary lovers. Located at the base of the Spanish Steps, this historic building is dedicated to the lives and works of Romantic poets John Keats and Percy Bysshe Shelley. It was the final residence of Keats who tragically succumbed to tuberculosis here in 1821, at just 25 years of age. Step inside this quaint residence and discover a rich collection of manuscripts, letters and memorabilia that transports you back to the Romantic era. Set up as if the poets still lived at the residence, visitors can explore reconstructed bedrooms, admire first editions and view artefacts such as a lock of Shelley’s hair and paintings of the poets. Moreover, visitors can enjoy poetry readings, lectures and exhibitions, making it a pilgrimage site for literature enthusiasts worldwide. 

After enjoying a sightseeing trip to the Colosseum, head over to The Gladiator Museum to discover the thrilling world of ancient Roman gladiators and the culture surrounding their legendary combats. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of authentic weapons, armour and replicas of traditional gladiatorial gear. As you explore the bloodthirsty traditions of these world-famous warriors, learn about their vigorous training and the brutal realities of their battles in arenas across the Roman Empire. Interactive displays and detailed exhibits allow you to explore the role of gladiatorial games in Roman society and their connections to politics, religion, and entertainment. Without a doubt, this is one of the best museums to visit in Rome for ancient history lovers.