The famous art of Rome and where to see them

It is said that Rome was dubbed “The Eternal City” by its inhabitants thousands of years ago because of their conviction that no matter what happened around the world, Rome would go on forever. In many ways, especially when it comes to Roman art, it has accomplished exactly that, and while the Roman Empire might have long fallen, fragments from its fabled history through the ages continue to be displayed in all their glory for visitors eager to travel back in time vicariously through these precious relics.

Today, you will find no shortage of chapels and art museums in Rome that house stunning works of art across different eras, from ancient Roman artifacts that have somehow survived Pompeii, to the Renaissance, and more. Attempting to view them all will probably take you forever; instead, here is our recommended list of must-visit museums and spots for an absolutely unforgettable Roman art odyssey.

Where to find: Vatican Museums

Adam and Eve was painted in 1828 by one of the most famous painters in the world, Wenzel Peter. He was especially skilled in painting animals in such a realistic manner that they often appear to be photographed. This is certainly the case in Adam and Eve, and even though the main subjects are Adam and Eve themselves in the Garden of Eden, your attention will invariably be drawn to the vast variety of animals featured in Peter’s masterpiece—200 to be exact. Can you spot them all?

Where to find: Vatican Museums

Easily one of the most iconic paintings in the world, the Sistine Chapel ceiling holds Michaelangelo’s finest masterpiece—343 figures across 12,000 square feet, painted over 4 years of intense labor and near-surrender. The entire painting was commissioned in 1508 by Julius II, one of the most influential popes in Roman history who incidentally also established the Vatican Museums. The painting comprises a mix of religious elements, such as the events of the Old Testament Bible like the Great Flood and the depiction of the connection between God and Adam, the first man.

The Sistine Chapel ceiling draws large crowds all day round due to its popularity, but if you want to skip the line, be sure to get your admission tickets in advance.

Where to find: Doria Pamphilj Gallery

The Doria Pamphilj Gallery is home to an incredible collection of paintings accrued over 200 years from the 16th to 18th century by the influential Doria family. However, the most recognizable painting of them all is the Penitent Magdalene by legendary Italian Baroque painter Caravaggio. It is a depiction of Mary Magdalene, bowed over in a similar fashion as Christ was on the cross. It is also said to be Caravaggio’s first-ever religious painting and is the subject of much debate from scholars and other art experts.

If you’re planning to check out the rest of the exhibitions, consider getting an admission ticket that allows you to skip the lines and enter through the gallery’s exclusive reserved entrance. You will even be treated to a breathtaking 25-minute multimedia tour of the art of Ancient Rome.

Where to find: Galleria Borghese

Nestled in Rome’s picturesque Villa Borghese, the Galleria Borghese is a treasure trove of paintings, sculptures, and antiques, amassed by Cardinal Scipione Borghese. One particular marble sculpture that stands out is Apollo and Daphne by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a prominent Italian architect and sculptor. The lore behind the sculpture is based on the tale of Apollo and Daphne—Apollo, the Greek god, fell madly in love with Daphne who did not reciprocate his feelings and in her desperation to evade him, was turned into a tree. To understand the narrative of the story told through the sculpture, view it slightly from the right where you can see the reactions of Apollo and Daphne concurrently.

If you’d like to check out the rest of the collection at the gallery at your own leisure, get a two-hour, skip-the-line pass; or if you’d like to learn more about the other prominent works of art by Titian and Rubens, a guided tour could also be a good option for you.

Where to find: Palazzo Massimo alle Terme

The Via Labicana Augustus is located in Palazzo Massimo alle Terme, one of the four buildings that make up the National Roman Museum. It is a sculpture of the famous Roman emperor Augustus with his head veiled in preparation for a sacrifice in his position as Pontifex Maximus. Incredibly, the sculpture dates back to 12 B.C., around the time of Augustus’ reign. It is also said that sculptures of Augustus are extremely rare because they are bound by strict rules.

Besides Via Labicana Augustus, the Palazzo Massimo is also home to some of the best archeological and classical art collections in the world, so take advantage of your time there and go on a private tour with an expert guide who can succinctly unpack the art of Ancient Rome to the modern audience.

Where to find: Capitoline Museums

The Statue of Marcus Aurelius—not the replica atop Piazza del Campidoglio—is located inside the Capitoline Museums, which is actually a single museum that houses several other art and archeological museums. It was built by the great Roman emperor himself at around 782 A.D. as a tribute to his military prowess and is now the last surviving equestrian statue of Ancient Rome. As the oldest archeological museum in the world, the Capitoline Museums is like a giant time machine that takes visitors all the way back to Ancient Rome with marble and bronze-sculpted generals, senators, emperors, and other prominent fixtures of Roman history.

To get the most out of this experience, consider going on a two-and-a-half-hour private tour of the museums with a seasoned archeologist or historian who will help narrate your journey through time.

Where to find: Santa Maria sopra Minerva and Galleria Nazionale D'Arte Antica

Antoniazzo Romano was an early Renaissance painter in the 15th century, and while he rose to prominence for his ability to repaint and interpret older images, he was eventually overshadowed by even more renowned artists like Michaelangelo and Raphael, who moved to Rome to work on commissions by influential figures like popes and noble families. Some of his more notable works include the Annunciation, which can be found in Santa Maria sopra Minerva—a church near his hometown in Piazza della Minerva—and the Nativity with Sts Lawrence and Andrew, located in the Galleria Nazionale D'Arte Antica.

Where to find: Galleria Borghese

Known for his tumultuous relationship with another famous artist, Caravaggio, as much as his masterful works, Giovanni Baglione’s painting style is actually quite similar to Caravaggio himself (talk about poetic storylines). Both men were quite fond of using chiaroscuro to great dramatic effect. Today, you can find some of his prominent works, such as Judith and the Head of Holofernes, at the Galleria Borghese.

Where to find: The streets of Rome (San Lorenzo, Ostiense, and Pigneto)

There’s no better way to illustrate the everlasting artistic legacy of the Eternal City than to highlight the many ways that art in Rome continues to thrive. Before, Michelangelo painted on chapel ceilings; today, artists paint on street walls. Alice Pasquini is a prominent member of the community of street artists in Rome, and her works can be found along your typical neighborhood in Rome, much like a free open-air museum. She is best known for her frequent inclusion of children and adolescents in her art.

Where to find: Trevi

Nicola Salvi was an Italian architect who played a vital part in Rome’s inclusion in popular culture. He was the brains behind the Trevi Fountain, one of the most iconic landmarks in Rome and around the world. The fountain marks the final point of Aqua Virgo, which was one of the earliest aqueducts in Ancient Rome, dating as far back as 19 BC. Tragically, Salvi died 11 years before the fountain could be completed, but his friend Pietro Bracci, another Roman artist, helped sculpt the final piece that was needed to complete the project, which he did in 1762. Today, visitors and locals alike continue to flock to the fountain to marvel at its sheer size and intricate detail.