A comprehensive chronicle of Roman history from the Middle Ages onward, housed in Palazzo Braschi, a Renaissance palace in the heart of the city center.
At a glance
The Museum of Rome documents the city’s urban evolution and material culture across approximately 120,000 objects. The collection spans paintings, sculptures, prints, photographs, and garments, presented across twenty rooms within one of Rome’s finest Renaissance palaces.
History
The museum opened on 21 April 1930 in the former Pastificio Pantanella at Piazza della Bocca della Verità, inaugurated by Antonio Muñoz, director of Antiquities and Fine Arts for the Rome Governorate. Closure came in 1939 due to World War II.
In 1952, the collection relocated to Palazzo Braschi, where it remains. The palazzo itself was designed by Cosimo Morelli (1732–1812) for Pope Pius VI (1775–1799), intended as a gift to the Pope’s nephew Luigi Onesti Braschi. During the Fascist period, the palace served institutional functions of the regime, temporarily housing the Madonna del Fascista mosaic, later relocated to Predappio. In autumn 1943, it became the seat of the Fascist Republican Party and housed the Armed Guard headquarters.
What you see
Morelli’s Renaissance structure exemplifies late-18th-century Roman palatial design. Fifteen rooms occupy the second floor, with five more on the third floor dedicated to the permanent collection. Additional spaces house a library, an exhibition of historic carriages, and museum administrative offices, integrating scholarly and curatorial functions within the building’s generous layout.
Cultural significance
The museum preserves the material record of Rome’s transformation across five centuries. Its holdings illuminate domestic life, urban development, fashion, and artistic production beyond the canonical monuments, offering insight into how ordinary Romans inhabited and shaped their city.
Key facts
- Address: Piazza di S. Pantaleo 10, Roma
- Coordinates: 41.8973153, 12.4728722
- Website: www.museodiroma.it/
- Phone: 060608
Practical information
The museum is located in the Renaissance quarter between Piazza Navona and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. For current opening hours, admission fees, and temporary exhibitions, consult the official website or telephone the museum.
Getting there
The palazzo occupies Piazza di S. Pantaleo in central Rome. Public transport and walking routes serve the area extensively. You can confirm accessibility details and nearby transit options via the museum’s official website.
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