The Capitoline Museums on Rome’s Capitoline Hill trace the city’s history through ancient sculpture, archaeological finds and Renaissance paintings. Their origins go back to 1471, when Pope Sixtus IV donated a group of ancient bronzes to the people of Rome; the collection opened to the public in 1734. Today it occupies two palaces facing Michelangelo’s Piazza del Campidoglio, connected by an underground passage.
The collection’s best-known works include the Capitoline Wolf, a lasting symbol of Rome, and the Dying Gaul, a remarkably expressive ancient sculpture. In the courtyard of Palazzo dei Conservatori, the enormous head and other fragments of a statue of Constantine give a sense of imperial ambition on a monumental scale. The picture gallery includes works by Caravaggio and Titian, while the Tabularium gallery overlooks the Roman Forum.
Allow two to three hours to explore the museums’ buildings and levels, and wear comfortable shoes. Booking a ticket online can help avoid a wait, particularly during busy periods. The museums are a short walk from Piazza Venezia; approach via Michelangelo’s broad Cordonata ramp, and check the official website for current opening hours and exhibitions before visiting.