Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Archaeological museum · Castro Pretorio

Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

Archaeological museum · Castro Pretorio

Largo di Villa Peretti, 2, 00185 Roma RM, Italy

Highlights

Palazzo Massimo is a serene neo-Renaissance gem packed with exquisite Roman art, from glorious frescoes to captivating sculptures, perfect for ancient history buffs.

Largo di Villa Peretti, 2, 00185 Roma RM, Italy Get directions

museonazionaleromano.beniculturali.it

@museonazionaleromano

@cntraveler

"The Palazzo Massimo's building itself was built by Jesuits in the late 19th century and was only turned into a state-owned museum in 1980. It's next to Stazione Termini, Rome's busiest station, yet few travelers make the trip to see the museum's masterpiece-packed halls. The collection is a mix of Classical sculpture, Imperial frescoes, and Hellenistic baroque-style statuary. After the Vatican Museums and Capitoline Museums, the Palazzo Massimo is a must for ancient art lovers." - Katie Parla, Maresa Manara

The 26 Best Things to Do in Rome

View Postcard for National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo

@afar

"If one single space encapsulates the Roman Empire, it would be Palazzo Massimo, Rome ’s multilevel museum housing one of Italy ’s richest collections of antiquities. The entire history of Rome , from the rise of the Republic to its imperial transition to its fall, is told through sculpture, mosaic, frescoes (watercolor paintings), and coins. Get to know generations of emperors by checking out their marble busts, then hang out in the 1st-century Villa of Livia dining room of Caesar Augustus's wife. Note: Palazzo Massimo is part of the National Museum circuit, which means ticket holders can also access three more national museums (Terme di Diocleziano, Palazzo Altemps, and the Crypta Balbi) over a three-day period."

The Best Museums in Rome

View Postcard for Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

@monocle

"Palazzo Massimo presents ancient Roman interiors by using original frescoed interior walls. Removed whole from Roman bed chambers, dining spaces and kitchens, they’ve been hung in rooms of the same proportions. Stepping into Livia’s garden room is like being outdoors – its walls depict such horticultural details that you can almost hear birdsong. Still more intimate is the room-by-room recreation of a villa of the Augustan age. It’s a reminder that ancient Rome was a riot of colour and was often more alien than we imagine."

Rome

View Postcard for Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

T. Cheney

Google

This is an archeological museum with 4 floors of displays but one display floor was closed in the lower basement level. Regardless, the antiquities are a fine way to bring to life all the brown/gray ruins around Rome left partially intact or in a near rubble pile state. Apply the color of every day Roman living quarters to those sites you have seen and just imagine what they once actually looked like with frescoes on walls of dinning, living, and bedrooms rooms. The intricate mosaics decorating walls and floors with scenes of everything they cherished in their life time. The sculptures and busts of heroes and legends adorning their homes, gardens and bathhouses. Now one begins to learn of the Romans way of life. Allow 3 hours to casually explore this ancient world treasure.

Johny Wanderlust

Google

The National Roman Museum is one of my favorite places in Rome, and I always love coming back. This museum has a unique atmosphere and offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of ancient Rome. Every visit is an unforgettable experience for me – from the beautifully preserved mosaics and frescoes to the majestic statues that seem to tell stories from centuries past. I am especially captivated by the collection of classical sculptures, particularly the iconic statue of Emperor Augustus and the incredibly detailed bronze busts. The museum is spread across multiple buildings, so there’s always something new to discover. Palazzo Massimo is my personal favorite – its frescoes and mosaics transport me to the lavish villas of ancient Romans. Plus, it’s never too crowded, allowing me to fully appreciate the exhibits in peace. If you love history and art, I highly recommend visiting. For me, it’s a place where I feel connected to the past and where I always find a moment to reflect and admire the beauty of Roman civilization.

Wren Myers

Google

We had a good time at this museum on a rainy day! The tickets were cheap but were further discounted (be sure to bring your id) Seeing everything in the museum took around 1.5 hours. There were so many amazing sculptures but there was also a photography exhibit as well as an exhibit with many ancient Roman artifacts.

Reed Brozen

Google

I popped in on first free Sunday since I was staying nearby. I had been once 15 years prior and remembered it as nice and well organized. It is. And it has several incredible pieces. Even better it had a unique show going on of Massimiliano Pelletti’s work, Versus. Go see it. He is prolific with most, if not all, of the works done in 2024. Creatively done copies of works and the ancient styles but in different sized and with different stone (including layered stone). A nice size that is easy to manage. You only need to commit an hour or two. Stunning mosaics and frescoes as well. I thought the Ermafrodito dormiente as well as The Resting Boxer were extraordinary. The labels and descriptions are also very well done.

I. Morgan

Google

During our recent visit to the National Roman Museum at Palazzo Massimo alle Terme in Rome, we were captivated by the exquisite mosaics on display. The museum was pleasantly quiet, allowing us to fully appreciate the intricate details and artistry of these ancient masterpieces. The museum, established in 1889, was created to house the numerous artifacts unearthed during Rome’s urban expansion in the late 19th century. Its four floors showcase a vast collection of Roman art and artifacts, including sculptures, frescoes, and mosaics, offering a comprehensive journey through ancient Rome’s artistic heritage. Among the highlights is the Boxer at Rest, a striking bronze statue from the Hellenistic period, and the Portonaccio Sarcophagus, renowned for its detailed battle scenes. However, the second floor’s collection of mosaics truly stood out to us. These mosaics, with their vibrant colors and intricate designs, provide a glimpse into the daily life and artistic expression of ancient Rome. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM, with the ticket office closing an hour earlier at 6:00 PM. It’s closed on Mondays. As of our visit, the entrance fee was €8 per person, with a combined ticket option available for €12, granting access to all four branches of the National Roman Museum. For those interested in ancient art and history, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme is a must-visit. Its extensive collections and serene atmosphere provide a perfect setting to delve into Rome’s rich past.

Diana Skorinkina

Google

A really good museum, though it currently lacks an audioguide, and I couldn’t find one online either. That said, if you’re not too particular, the written plates with detailed stories are quite easy to follow. Unfortunately, the basement floor with coins is closed to tourists at the moment. The first two floors are filled with statues, showcasing the fascinating progression of ancient sculpture trends from 1 BC to 5 AD. For instance, you can observe the Greek influence on Roman statues, such as the trend of hiring Greek artisans to create copies of Greek originals. There’s also an interesting detail about the introduction of beards in Roman culture, inspired by the Greek tradition and adopted by the emperor who built the Pantheon (I am bad with names). The third floor was the highlight for me—a treasure trove of mosaics and entire painted walls transported from an ancient domus dating back to 1 BC. It was especially intriguing to read about the methods used to transport and preserve these painted walls. A truly enriching experience!

Stephen Lewis

Google

A lovely museum with some fantastic pieces of ancient art, busts, statues, mosaics, wall paintings etc. Well worth a visit. There are 3 museums at the one location but we only had time to visit one of them.

Marcus L

Google

An absolute treasure trove of ancient Roman history! The National Roman Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in archaeology, art, and culture. The highlight for me was the stunning sarcophagus with scenes of battle - the level of detail and craftsmanship was breathtaking. The museum's vast collection of artifacts, mosaics, and sculptures is incredibly impressive, and the exhibits are well-curated and easy to follow. The museum's atmosphere is serene and peaceful, making it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of Rome. Free entry on Republic day & first Sunday of every month.