Capitoline Museums
Photo credit: phgiomarghe

Capitoline Museums

Musei Capitolini

The Musei Capitolini, located in the heart of Rome, Italy, is a complex of museums renowned for their rich and diverse collection of art and artifacts. These museums are significant not only for their impressive exhibits but also for their historical importance as the world's oldest public museums, dating back to 1471.

Housed in the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, the Musei Capitolini feature a vast assortment of artworks spanning various periods. Notable among their collections are sculptures, paintings, archaeological finds, and historical relics. The renowned Capitoline Wolf, a symbol of Rome's foundation, is among the iconic sculptures displayed here.

One of the museum's highlights is the courtyard, designed by Michelangelo, which serves as an open-air exhibition space and offers a splendid view of the Roman Forum and the Palatine Hill. The architecture of the museums themselves is a testament to their historical and artistic significance.

The Musei Capitolini provide visitors with the opportunity to explore art and history from antiquity to the Renaissance. The collection includes sculptures such as the Dying Gaul and the statue of Marcus Aurelius, as well as renowned paintings, including Caravaggio's "St. John the Baptist" and works by Tintoretto and Titian.