8 small free museums in Rome that are not to be missed
free museums not to be missed
Rome is not just the Colosseum, the Vatican Museums and the Imperial Forums. The city hides little cultural gems, often far from the tourist crowds, which preserve fascinating stories and precious collections. And the good news? Admission is free all year round.
Among these, the Museum of the Walls stands out, where you can walk along the ancient Aurelian walls; the Carlo Bilotti Museum and the Pietro Canonica Museum, both immersed in the greenery of Villa Borghese; and the Barracco Museum, a treasure trove of ancient sculpture. Then there is the Napoleonic Museum, which tells the story of the Bonaparte family in Rome, and the Museum of the Roman Republic, dedicated to the events of 1849. For those who love archaeology, the Villa of Maxentius along the Appian Way and the Museum of Casal de’ Pazzi, with its prehistoric finds, are not to be missed.
These museums are perfect for a short but intense visit, perhaps between walks. They offer intimate settings, far from the chaos, and allow you to discover the city with an authentic and different perspective.
Info: https://www.turismoroma.it/en/page/8-%E2%80%9Csmall-museums%E2%80%9D-rome-free-admission
read other articles
On Sunday, December 7, many of the capital's civic collections and cultural sites will open their doors for free thanks to the initiative by Musei in Comune Roma.
On December 7 at 6:30 PM, St. Peter's Square will light up with the traditional inauguration ceremony of the Christmas tree and nativity scene, symbols marking the official start of the holidays in the Capital.
From December 4th to January 6th, the Auditorium Parco della Musica will be dressed in lights, sounds and magic with a calendar full of concerts, shows, theatre, dance and free events for families and visitors.
From November 16th to January 6th, Lunghezza Castle transforms into Santa Claus's magical kingdom, an immersive experience for the whole family.
From November 8, to January 6, Cinecittà World will be transformed into a huge Christmas set with lights, film sets, and live performances.
From December 1st to January 6th, the EUR district comes alive with EUR Christmas Village, a Christmas market that combines lights, crafts, food, and entertainment.
From December 8, 2025, to January 6, 2026, the exhibition “100 Nativity Scenes in the Vatican” returns to the splendid setting of the Colonnade in St. Peter’s Square.
Every December, Giftland transforms Rome into a huge indoor Christmas market, with over 200 exhibitors from all over Italy.
During the holidays, the Monti district comes alive with a Christmas market that combines tradition, craftsmanship, and the neighborhood's typical convivial atmosphere.
From December 1st to January 6th, Piazza Navona, in the heart of Rome, transforms every winter into one of the city's most evocative Christmas markets.
From November 29th to January 11th, Christmas World returns to Villa Borghese with over 40,000 m² of immersive displays dedicated to the Christmas atmospheres of iconic cities such as New York, London, Paris, and Berlin.
Among the most characteristic narrow streets in Monti, Vicolo dei Serpenti enchants with its mysterious name and the breathtaking view of the Colosseum, which suddenly appears at the end of the path.
With its welcoming atmosphere, ochre-colored facades, and the aromas wafting from the kitchens, Via Urbana is one of the liveliest and most authentic streets in Monti.
Ancient and fascinating, Via Panisperna runs through Monti like a thread linking history and modernity. It was here that, in the 1930s, the famous "Via Panisperna Boys," including Enrico Fermi, laid the foundations of modern physics, making this street a symbol
of genius and innovation.
Along the street of the same name, the Church of San Lorenzo in Panisperna preserves centuries of history and spirituality.
In the heart of the Monti district, Piazza degli Zingari is a small treasure trove of Roman authenticity. Once a resting place for nomadic caravans, today it's one of the neighborhood's most picturesque corners, where time seems to slow down amid artisan workshops and bohemian cafés.
On November 29, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM, Rome will transform into a vast, diffused stage thanks to Musei in Musica, the highly anticipated event that unites art and sound in a single, magical night.
From April 18, 2025 to January 18, 2026, Villa Torlonia's Casina delle Civette will host
"Pysanka," an exhibition dedicated to the ancient Ukrainian art of decorated eggs.
From October 11, 2025, to January 18, 2026, one of the most anticipated exhibitions of Italian contemporary art will be held at the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in Rome.
From November 1 to 23, 2025, Rome hosts one of the most beloved festivals in the national
jazz scene, with concerts, talks, and initiatives dedicated to the world of jazz and its
contemporary intersections.
jazz scene, with concerts, talks, and initiatives dedicated to the world of jazz and its
contemporary intersections.
From 24 October 2025 to 3 May 2026, the Scuderie del Quirinale will host Treasures of the Pharaohs, a journey into the heart of ancient Egypt.
From 15 to 26 October 2025, Rome will host the 20th edition of the Film Festival.
From 20 to 25 October 2025, Rome will become the capital of contemporary art with the tenth edition of Rome Art Week.
From 17 October 2025 to 1 February 2026, the Museo del Corso will host the exhibition “Dalí. Revolution and Tradition”.
From 10 to 12 October 2025, the Monti district will once again celebrate its traditional autumn festival, which brings life to its narrow streets and squares.
From 10 to 12 October 2025, the Circus Maximus will host the Roman leg of the prestigious international equestrian circuit.
From 8 October 2025 to 8 March 2026, Palazzo Bonaparte in Rome will host a triumph of beauty and seduction.
From 4 October 2025 to 25 January 2026, the Historical Museum of the Infantry in Rome will host a major exhibition dedicated to Pablo Picasso.
From June 26 to September 28, 2025, a photographic exhibition will be staged that captures the spirit of the capital during the Holy Year.
From July 28 to October 15, 2025, Parco del Celio will host Jazz & Image
From September 6, 2025, to January 25, 2026, the Historical Museum of the Infantry welcomes Gauguin, The Diary of Noa Noa, and Other Adventures.
From September 4 to November 16, 2025, Rome will host the 40th edition of the Romaeuropa Festival.
From 2 July to 12 October 2025, Rome offers a new way to experience art
IKONO Roma offers a journey through art, play and creativity in Palazzo Crescenzi.
From 14 May to 13 August 2025, the Palazzo delle Esposizioni will host an exhibition dedicated to the creative universe of Dolce & Gabbana.
From 11 July to 11 October 2025, the Borghese Gallery will be illuminated with emotion with Tales of Light.
From 6 June to 10 August, the Casa del Jazz opens its doors to the Summertime 2025 festival
From 29 June to 7 August, the ancient Baths of Caracalla vibrate again with music and
movement.
June 1 to July 13 - The big screen under the starsCinema in the Square
From 28 July to 3 August 2025, one of the most anticipated events of the Holy Year.
Cultural events, concerts and exhibitions to celebrate Rome's rich history and art
