Museums and Libraries in Rome

Rome, a city steeped in history and culture, boasts an impressive array of museums and libraries. Here are ten notable museums and ten libraries in the Eternal City.

Museums

Statue without head or arms in front of industrial control panel with pressure gauges and meters

Centrale Montemartini

An innovative museum that juxtaposes ancient Roman sculptures with industrial machinery in a former power plant.

Grand building with ornate sculptures, balcony with flags, decorative facade, and well-kept grounds

Galleria Borghese

Opened in 1903, designed by Flaminio Ponzio, and located in the Villa Borghese gardens. The gallery showcases works by Caravaggio, Bernini, and Canova. Its exquisite collection spans from classical antiquities to Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces.

Ornate hall with golden ceiling, chandeliers, classical statues, mirrors, and polished wooden floor.

Galleria Doria Pamphilj

The gallery contains a vast collection of Renaissance and Baroque art collected by the Doria Pamphilj family. Highlights include works by Velázquez, Titian, and Caravaggio, set within a beautifully preserved palazzo.

Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna exterior with columns, statues, and text on steps reads, BORN TO SET IT RIGHT.

Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea

Italy’s largest collection of modern and contemporary art, featuring works by artists such as Van Gogh, Klimt, and De Chirico.

Circular stone fortress with statues of angels along bridge, topped with angel statue, clear sky.

Museo Nazionale di Castel Sant'Angelo

Originally built as a mausoleum for Emperor Hadrian, Castel Sant'Angelo now serves as a museum, offering panoramic views of Rome and exhibits on its history.

Rectangular brick building with large windows in a green park, featuring skylights and pathways.

Museo Nazionale di Capodimonte

Considered the world’s first public museum, the Capitoline Museums house an extensive collection of ancient Roman statues, medieval and Renaissance art, and artifacts.

A minimalist modern building with glass windows and an overhanging structure, a person seated outside.

MAXXI – National Museum of the 21st Century Arts

Designed by Zaha Hadid, MAXXI focuses on contemporary art and architecture, with a dynamic program of exhibitions and cultural events.

Historical building with a courtyard, two-story colonnade, arched openings, statues, balcony, and windows.

Museo Nazionale Romano

Opened in 1889, located at various sites in Rome. The museum’s collections are divided among four locations, featuring ancient Roman sculptures, mosaics, and frescoes. Highlights include the Ludovisi Throne and the mummy of Grottarossa.

Ornate historic room with high arched windows, frescoes, bas-relief sculptures, and polished wood floor.

Museo di Roma

Housed in Palazzo Braschi, this museum offers a comprehensive look at Rome’s history from the Middle Ages to the 20th century, with paintings, photographs, and artifacts.

Spiraling staircase with decorative railings and golden accents, viewed from above.

Vatican Museums

Home to one of the world's greatest art collections, the Vatican Museums include the Sistine Chapel, Raphael Rooms, and a vast array of classical sculptures.

Libraries

Antique library with leather-bound books, a decorated open book, and an illustrated globe on a table.

Biblioteca Angelica

One of the oldest public libraries in Europe, Biblioteca Angelica specializes in religious and theological texts, with a rich collection of rare manuscripts.

Ornate library with frescoes, wooden tables, bookshelves filled with volumes, and a checkerboard floor.

Biblioteca Apostolica Vaticana

One of the world’s oldest libraries, the Vatican Library contains priceless manuscripts, rare books, and historical documents. Access is limited to scholars and researchers.

Ornate library with high wooden bookshelves, long tables, chandeliers, and checkered marble floor.

Biblioteca di Archeologia e Storia dell'Arte

Located near the Roman Forum, this library focuses on archaeology, art history, and architecture, with a vast collection of books and periodicals.

Marble statue in the center of an ornate library with wooden bookshelves and carved columns in the background.

Biblioteca Casanatense

Founded in the 18th century, this library contains a vast collection of rare books and manuscripts, focusing on theology, philosophy, and science.

Building facade with two large green wooden doors, one open, showing interior, walls aged beige.

Biblioteca Centrale per Ragazzi

A public library dedicated to children’s literature, offering a wide range of books, activities, and educational programs for young readers.

Building facade with ornate entrance featuring a large face sculpture, wooden door, and flanking trees

Bibliotheca Hertziana

The Bibliotheca Hertziana in Rome, Italy, underwent significant renovation in 2012, designed by Juan Navarro Baldeweg. The library combines historical elements with modern architecture, creating a harmonious scholarly environment. It specializes in the study of Italian art and architecture.

Historic library with wooden furniture, bookshelves, globes, scientific instruments, and artifacts.

Biblioteca Lancisiana

This historic medical library, founded in the 18th century, contains rare medical texts and manuscripts, focusing on the history of medicine.

Large office building with glass windows, paved walkway, landscaping, and clear sunny sky.

Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Roma

Italy’s largest library, housing millions of books, manuscripts, and rare collections, serving as a major center for research and scholarship.

Architectural structure with dome, arches, columns in courtyard, clear sky with scattered clouds.

Biblioteca Universitaria Alessandrina

Located within the University of Rome La Sapienza, this library specializes in historical and academic texts, supporting scholarly research.

High-ceiling library with decorative moldings, book-filled shelves, desks, chairs, and large windows.

Biblioteca Vallicelliana

Housed in the Oratorio dei Filippini, this library offers an extensive collection of manuscripts, incunabula, and early printed books.

These museums and libraries offer a deep dive into Rome’s rich cultural, historical, and intellectual heritage, providing invaluable resources and experiences for residents and visitors alike.

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