National Roman Museum - Palazzo Massimo

Inspired by the magnificent palaces of the 16th century, Palazzo Massimo is a splendid building constructed between 1883 and 1887 by the Jesuit priest Massimiliano Massimo. The architectural design, attributed to Camillo Pistrucci, was intended to serve as the new Jesuit school. However, in 1981, the Italian Government acquired the palazzo with the purpose of transforming it into one of the prominent locations for the National Roman Museum.

A comprehensive renovation of the building was entrusted to Costantino Dardi, and in 1998, Palazzo Massimo opened its doors to the public. Over the years, the exhibition's arrangement has undergone several revisions, meticulously weaving together the diverse threads of Rome's historical and artistic legacy. By drawing on the contexts in which the artifacts were unearthed, the exhibition evokes the feeling of a 16th-century cabinet of curiosities, where various works from different eras coexist harmoniously.

A visit to Palazzo Massimo is akin to turning the pages of a captivating historical narrative. Spread across its four floors are some of the finest masterpieces representing the entirety of the Roman world's artistic output. The collection includes sculptures, reliefs, frescoes, mosaics, stuccoes, and sarcophagi, all originating from excavations conducted in Rome and its environs from 1870 onwards.

The tour commences with the theme of portraiture and its evolution, from its exclusive use by distinguished citizens in the Archaic Period to its widespread adoption among freedmen. Visitors can trace the development of portraiture from Greek origins, exemplified by the likeness of Alexander the Great, to the portraits of ordinary Roman citizens who sought self-celebration at the end of the Republic. The exhibition also highlights new forms of portraiture linked to the birth of the Roman Empire, including the representation of Augustus as the Pontifex Maximus.

Moving to the Imperial Age, the first floor presents Roman preferences for adaptations and copies of ideal sculptures, such as the Discobolus of Myron, featured in well-known reproductions. The floor also showcases sculptures depicting gods, mythological figures, and artworks celebrating victories at the Empire's borders and the grandeur of well-known figures from the late Roman Empire.

The second floor of Palazzo Massimo is entirely dedicated to frescoes, stuccoes, and mosaics. It displays the exquisite wall decorations from major archaeological complexes, providing a glimpse into the aesthetic sense of the Roman aristocracy.

The basement level features a selection from the National Roman Museum's Coin and Medal Collection, focusing on the economy and the use of money. It offers an exhibition of coins, jewelry, precious ornaments, and documents related to the cost of daily life.