The Palatine Museum

Situated atop Rome’s famed Palatine Hill, the Palatine Museum, also known as the Museo Palatino, provides an in-depth look at ancient Roman history and culture. The museum provides an insight into Roman society from its earliest times till the collapse of the Empire. It was established to hold archaeological artifacts from ongoing excavations.

See objects from the height of the Imperial Empire, including mosaics and frescoes, sculptures and inscriptions from the Republic, and prehistoric Rome’s utensils and ceramics. The noteworthy displays are the Farnese Collection, the Augustus statue, and the paintings from the House of Livia. Delve deep into this guide to learn about the notable collections and exhibitions in the Museum.

Pro Tip: Access to the Roman Forum, the Colosseum, and the Palatine Museum is often provided by a single ticket, which makes it easier to cut down on wait times.

Location

The Palatine Museum, also known as the Museo Palatino, is located on Palatine Hill in Rome, Italy. 

Address: Parco archeologico del Colosseo, 00186 Roma RM, Italy. Get Directions

How to Reach Palatine Museum

If you start from any point on Palatine Hill, you can see many signs that will guide you to all the major attractions, including the Palatine Museum. Look for the signs showing Museo Palatino or Palatine Museum.

If you are near the main entrance on Via di San Gregorio, proceed to the ticket office and admission gate. After going past the gate, take the path leading up the hill. As you travel up the hill, you will come across magnificent gardens and historic ruins. The trail is well-marked and picturesque.

The Palatine Museum is located in the center of the hill. It stands out among the old ruins since it is a comparatively recent building.

Opening Hours

The timings of the Palatine Museum vary throughout the year but it always opens at 9.30 am. However, the last entry will always be an hour before closing. The Palatine Museum typically follows these general hours of operation:

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June to August) and the big holidays such as Christmas and Easter are the busiest travel times in Rome.

💡Pro Tip: Avoid visiting outside these hours to bypass the biggest crowds.

History

The Palatine Museum, or Museo Palatino, was founded to hold the numerous items discovered during major archaeological excavations on the hill. These excavations, which began in the 18th century and continue to this day, have uncovered the remnants of palaces, temples, and other structures, affording unique insights into ancient Roman society.

Early Beginnings (19th century)

The narrative begins in the nineteenth century, during a revived interest in classical civilizations. Large-scale excavations on Palatine Hill, led by people such as Napoleon III, yielded an abundance of antiquities. These included sculptures, pieces of frescoes, and ordinary things that provided insight into the lifestyles of Romans who lived on the hill.

The First Palatine Museum

The first Palatine Museum, founded in the late nineteenth century, was placed on the hill’s bottom level of the Farnese building to house these artifacts.

Unfortunately, this iteration was short-lived. In 1882, the structure was dismantled to improve the link between the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. The collection was then moved to the Museo delle Terme (National Roman Museum).

New Home (20th Century)

The narrative does not end there. The Palatine Museum embarked on a new chapter in the early twentieth century. Archaeologist Alfonso Bartoli, who saw the value of displaying the Palatine Hill’s rare treasures in their natural setting, advocated for establishing a new museum dedicated only to the hill’s history.

The old Monastery of the Visitation, built in the 1860s on the foundations of Domitian’s palace, was chosen as the venue. In the 1930s, Bartoli constructed the Antiquarium Palatino (Palatine Antiquarium) within the monastery walls.

Modernization and Growth

Throughout the twentieth century, the museum underwent repairs and modifications. In the 1990s, coinciding with Augustus’ Bimillennium (the 2,000th anniversary of his birth), the museum was rearranged and remodeled to be more user-friendly. Multimedia installations were used to improve the visiting experience.

The Collections

The Palatine Museum’s collections are organized into various divisions, each focused on a distinct aspect of Roman history and culture. The objects date from the early days of Rome to the fall of the Empire, demonstrating the growth of Roman art, architecture, and daily life.

1. Prehistoric and Archaic Rome

This part lets you see items from Rome’s early past, long before it became an empire. Pottery, utensils, and other ordinary things are on exhibit, providing insight into the life of Palatine Hill’s early residents.

2. Republican Rome

Artifacts from the Republican era include sculptures, inscriptions, and architectural remnants. These objects illustrate the political and social developments during this period, such as the formation of the Roman Republic and its extension over the Mediterranean.

3. Imperial Rome

The Imperial Rome area is the museum’s core, displaying items from the height of the Roman Empire. 

Highlights include:

• An extensive collection of sculptures and busts of emperors, gods, and historical characters demonstrate the Romans’ creative abilities, culture and politics.
• Magnificently preserved mosaics and frescoes from Roman homes and public buildings representing Roman mythology, daily life, and aesthetic tastes.
• Models of essential buildings and structures on Palatine Hill, such as the Domus Augustana and the House of Livia.

4. Daily Life in Ancient Rome

This section features a variety of artifacts depicting ancient Romans’ daily lives. Home utensils, jewelry, clothes, and toys represent Rome’s material culture.

Notable Exhibits

While the Palatine Museum is full of intriguing objects, a few displays stand out for their historical relevance and artistic beauty.

Palatine Museum Layout

Palatine Museum consists of two levels with 10 rooms and outdoor areas. Here is an overview of the layout of the Palatine Museum:

Ground Floor

At the Entrance Hall, you can buy tickets, acquire maps, and learn about the museum and other attractions. Restrooms and lockers are available for convenience.

First Floor

Outdoor Areas

Vacatis Tips for Visiting Palatine Museum

Take into account the following advice and suggestions to get the most out of your trip to the Palatine Museum:

• To learn more about the history and treasures of the Palatine Hill, take a guided tour.

• Both the museum and the nearby archeological site are large. Make time to explore for at least two or three hours.

• Usually, photography is permitted without using flash due to consideration for the comfort of other guests and the antiques.

• At the entry, you can pick up a map and any applicable educational booklets to assist you in navigating the museum and comprehending the exhibits.

• Due to the occasionally difficult ground surrounding Palatine Hill, a good bit of walking is involved. Put on comfortable footwear.

• There are sitting places and restrooms accessible throughout the place.

FAQs

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