How to Visit Museums in Rome
You can read books or watch PBS specials about art in Rome, but nothing compares to looking up and seeing the Sistine Chapel in person. Michelangelo's renowned work is just the beginning--you'll also get up close and personal with Raphael, Botticelli, da Vinci and dozens of other famous artists when you visit Rome's museums.
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Instructions
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Start at the Vatican Museums for the spectacular collections of painting and sculpture. When you enter, you may only be familiar with Michelangelo's fresco in the Sistine Chapel, but by the time you leave, you'll be happily overwhelmed by the many other masterpieces owned by the Catholic Church. Among the highlights are the Sistine Chapel, of course; Raphael's Rooms; the Pinacoteca; and the Gregorian Egyptian and Etruscan museums. Visit the website to arrange for a guided tour and to avoid standing in line (see Resources below).
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Don't miss the archeological treasures in the National Museum of Rome. The widespread collection includes sculpture, sarcophagi, coins, jewels, gems and much more. The museum has been restructured and now is housed in the historic Baths of Diocletian with its Octagonal Hall, the Palazzo Massimo and the Palazzo Altemps.
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View the National Gallery of Antique Art housed in two Baroque palaces: the landmark Palazzo Barberini (featuring the work of Bernini, Titian and other masters) and Palazzo Corsini (with an intact eighteenthcentury collection including the likes of Caravaggio, Van Dyck and Rubens).
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Head to the Borghese Gallery to view magnificant sculpture and paintings by Bernini, Correggio, Raphael, Caravaggio and more. The gallery is smaller than many other art venues in Rome, so you'll have time to stroll in the surrounding Villa Borghese Gardens. For ticket information, visit Galleria Borghese's website (see Resources below).
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Pay a visit to the Castel Sant'Angelo National Museum, built by the Emperor Hadrian as a mausoleum. The imposing building offers a great view of Rome, as well as frescos, paintings and sculptures.
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