Palatine Hill within the Colosseum Archaeological Park

Experience culture without spending a dime!

True culture should be within everyone’s reach. Those who live in and truly know Rome understand this well. The Eternal City, a living museum of history and art, offers countless opportunities to explore its wonders free of charge — both under the open sky and within its many galleries. With permanent collections that are always accessible and special free-admission days, like the first Sunday of every month, anyone can immerse themselves in Rome’s artistic and historical treasures without spending a dime. Ready to discover the capital’s best free museums? Let’s dive in!

Museums with free admission all year round

Rome is home to several museums that offer free access year-round, allowing both residents and tourists to immerse themselves in culture without restrictions:

• Museum of the Roman Republic and Garibaldi Memorial. Set atop the historic Gianicolo Hill, this museum chronicles the dramatic events of the Roman Republic of 1849 and the heroic battles led by Garibaldi’s troops. Through interactive maps, wartime artifacts, and firsthand accounts, visitors can experience one of Italy’s defining moments. Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Napoleonic Museum. Overlooking Piazza di Ponte Umberto I, this museum traces the history of the Bonaparte family through portraits, period furnishings, memorabilia, and historical documents. The collection, donated by Count Giuseppe Primoli, Napoleon’s great-grandson, offers insight into the French emperor’s ties to Italy and the aristocratic lifestyle of the 19th century. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Barracco Museum. A hidden gem for archaeology enthusiasts, this museum boasts a remarkable collection of sculptures from ancient civilizations, including Egyptian, Assyrian, Phoenician, Greek, and Etruscan artifacts. The exhibits are housed in a refined Renaissance palace on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II. Hours: October – May: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; June – September: Tuesday – Sunday, 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Carlo Bilotti Museum. Located in the Orangery of Villa Borghese, this museum showcases a striking collection of contemporary art, featuring works by Giorgio de Chirico, Andy Warhol, Gino Severini, and others. The intimate setting creates a seamless dialogue between art and nature. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
• Pietro Canonica Museum. Tucked near Piazza di Siena in Villa Borghese, this museum celebrates the legacy of sculptor Pietro Canonica. Alongside his masterful busts and monumental sculptures, visitors can step into his personal studio and living quarters for a rare glimpse into his artistic world. Hours: October – May: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.; June – September: 1 p.m. – 7 p.m.
• Museum of the Walls. Housed within Porta San Sebastiano, this museum offers an immersive journey through Rome’s military past. Visitors can walk atop the original third-century Aurelian Walls, explore ancient guard towers, and discover the city’s fortifications through models and exhibits. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
• Villa of Maxentius. Set along the scenic Appian Way, this archaeological site features the remarkably well-preserved Circus of Maxentius and the Mausoleum of Romulus, built in memory of the emperor’s son. These evocative ruins offer a fascinating window into imperial Rome, framed by a breathtaking landscape. Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Alberto Moravia House Museum. Perched above the Tiber, this attic apartment was once home to renowned Italian writer Alberto Moravia. Preserving his vast library, an Olivetti 82 typewriter, personal artworks, and travel memorabilia, the museum offers an intimate glimpse into his literary world. Visits are by appointment only, available on the second Saturday of each month, with a maximum of 15 visitors per tour. Info and reservations: 060608 (daily, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.).

Casal de’ Pazzi Museum. A one-of-a-kind prehistoric site, this museum safeguards the remains of an ancient riverbed dating back 200,000 years. Fossils, flint tools, and relics of extinct animals paint a vivid picture of Rome’s distant past. Located near the Aniene River, it provides a rare window into the region’s prehistoric landscape. Hours: Tuesday – Friday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Visits by reservation only.

State Museums free on the first Sunday of the month

Every first Sunday of the month, Italy’s Ministry of Culture grants free entry to state museums. What better chance to discover the country’s artistic and historical treasures at no cost — especially in a city as magnificent as Rome? Here’s our selection of the most captivating museums and archaeological sites you can explore, according to their respective opening hours.

In the City

• Colosseum Archaeological Park. This vast site includes the Flavian Amphitheater (Colosseum), the Roman Forum, and the Palatine Hill — three must-visit landmarks for first-time visitors to Rome. Free admission is available, but tickets must be collected in person at the ticket office near the Arch of Titus; advance reservations are not required.
• Pantheon and Basilica of Santa Maria ad Martyres. Famous for its breathtaking dome and as the final resting place of Italy’s kings, this architectural marvel in Piazza della Rotonda is one of the city’s most visited ancient monuments.
• Vittoriano, Palazzo Venezia, and the Central Museum of the Risorgimento. This museum complex traces the turbulent history of Italy’s unification and showcases the evolution of art from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Don’t miss the spectacular sunset views from the Altare della Patria.
• Capitoline Museums. Located in the heart of Piazza del Campidoglio, these are among the world’s oldest public museums. They house both ancient masterpieces — such as the Capitoline Venus from the 4th century BC — and later works, including Caravaggio’s The Fortune Teller.
• National Roman Museum. This museum complex spans four locations — Palazzo Massimo, the Baths of Diocletian, Crypta Balbi, and Palazzo Altemps — each showcasing extraordinary archaeological and architectural treasures.
• National Museum of Castel Sant’Angelo. Originally built as Emperor Hadrian’s mausoleum and later transformed into a papal fortress, this imposing structure offers visitors not only a deep dive into its fascinating history but also a spectacular 360° view of the Eternal City.
• Borghese Gallery. Home to an extraordinary collection of masterpieces by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. Advance booking is required, with a €2 reservation fee. The Secret Gardens, historic green spaces featuring aromatic plants and artistic fountains, are also accessible by reservation
• National Galleries of Ancient Art (Palazzo Barberini and Galleria Corsini). A must-visit for those looking to immerse themselves in Italian painting, with masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and other great masters.
• Galleria Spada. Housed within the enchanting 16th-century Palazzo Capodiferro, this Roman gallery boasts the famous Borromini Perspective alongside an impressive collection of Renaissance and Baroque art.
• Torlonia Museums. Nestled within one of Rome’s most romantic parks, this museum complex includes the Casina delle Civette, renowned for its unique stained-glass windows; the Casino Nobile, which narrates the history of the Torlonia family; and the Casino dei Principi, home to temporary exhibitions. A must-visit for lovers of art, nature, and architecture.
• National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art. A journey through art from the 19th century to today, featuring works by Klimt, Monet, Balla, and other major artists.
• National Etruscan Museum of Villa Giulia. Simply the world’s most important collection of Etruscan art, housed in a magnificent Renaissance villa.
• Appian Way Regional Park. This vast historical site includes the Antiquarium of Lucrezia Romana, the Mausoleum of Cecilia Metella, the Church of San Nicola, the Tomb Park of Via Latina, the Basilica of Santo Stefano, and the Villa of the Quintilii.

Beyond Rome

• Hadrian’s Villa and Villa d’Este in Tivoli. Hadrian’s Villa, the emperor’s grand retreat, is a masterpiece of Roman architecture, while Villa d’Este, a Renaissance gem, is famous for its spectacular fountains and gardens.
• Archaeological Park of Ostia antica. This extraordinary site includes the ruins of the ancient port city, the Imperial Harbors of Claudius and Trajan, the Museum of Ships, and the Castle of Julius II.

Our Tips for Visiting

1. Book in advance. Some museums require reservations. We recommend checking official websites and detailed listings on cultura.gov.it/domenicalmuseo.
2. Visit at strategic times. The first Sunday of the month is always popular. To avoid long queues, plan your visit during off-peak hours.
3. Choose less crowded museums. If you prefer a more relaxed experience, opt for lesser-known museums and sites, which are equally rich in history and charm.

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