Capitoline Museums

The Capitoline Museums are unique buildings in Rome, which contain collections of the history of the eternal city of Rome, artifacts and various unique objects. This is the world's first public art museum, which was started by Pope Sixtus IV in 1471, donating to the “people of Rome” a collection of ancient bronzes that had previously been housed within the walls of the Lateran Palace. Every year this place brings together thousands of people who are interested in Italy and its rich history.

History

The history of the Capitoline Museums dates back to the 15th century, it was at this time that Pope Sixist IV brought a huge and rich collection of sculptures from the Lateran as a gift to the residents of the city of Rome. In 1734 museums were opened to the city. It is officially recognized that the Capitoline Museums are the first museums in the world. The collections themselves are stored in two of three buildings - Palazzo Conservatori, Palazzo Nuovo, Palazzo Senatorio. The two museums, which house the collections, are connected to each other by a tunnel in which monumental arches can be found.

Architecture of the Capitoline Museums

Palazzo Nuovo includes many sculptures and busts that were created by the great Italian masters of that time. Unique specimens of this museum include: the statue of Marforio, the Capitoline Venus, the She-Wolf, Brutus and Spinario. The first floor of the building is decorated with a glass room containing a great statue of Emperor Marcus Aurelius. Also, the halls of this museum contain works by Horthy Esquilina. In 2005, the hall began to officially bear the name of Marcus Aurelius, and statues of Aurelius sitting on a horse were placed on the square itself.

The second floor presents the visitor with a magnificent gallery that houses masterpieces of masters - paintings by Guercino, Reni, Caravaggio. The gallery is designed in such a way that all the paintings in it are stored in chronological order. The second museum - Palazzo Capitolino is often called the museum of numismatics; it contains a unique collection of old coins, as well as precious coins.

Speaking of the Capitoline Museums, we should talk about another amazing place - the Palazzo of the Conservatives, which is located on the site of the Capitol. The building was built in the first half of the 15th century and was used as a meeting place for Roman magistrates. The visitor entering the Palazzo is greeted by the majestic figure of Emperor Constantine. Near the main staircase there are antique reliefs, which are dedicated to the same Marcus Aurelius and his victory over the Germans. In other rooms you can see famous displays, including a sculpture of Spinario, a Roman bronze bust and a statue from the early 1st centuries BC. One of the most visited places among tourists is the room of bronzes, which contains an extensive collection of Emperor Constantine the Fourth.

Every year, crowds of tourists visit various places in Rome; among all tourist destinations, one of the most popular is the Capitoline Museums. An indescribable historical picture opens before the visitor here, which is saturated in all elements of museum decor. There is no doubt that a visit to this object will not leave anyone indifferent.