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You know what they say – the Eternal City is an open-air museum.
If you’re a student, a freelancer, a digital nomad on a budget, you’ll probably be looking for the best free museums in Rome at some point.
I have been living in London and Rome for the past four years, splitting my time evenly, and spending most summers and spring in Rome – one of the best times to visit.
Today, I’ll be sharing with you some of the best free and secret museums in Rome.
All kinds of places in which you will find gorgeous painted ceilings, incredible street art, and places to find the most beautiful statues in Rome – a really artistic itinerary, if I may!
23 Secret and Free Museums in Rome You’ve Never Heard Of
To help you choose the museums and art galleries you’ll be most interested in, I have split this guide into two parts:
- Completely free museums in Rome
- And other secret museums, along with even more secret places like cloisters and villas in which you will find many statues and gorgeous paintings (there may be an entry fee)
I have limited myself to the more secret side of things; you won’t see the Palazzo delle Esposizioni in this guide, for instance, although it is a great free art gallery to visit in Rome.
In any case, these are free museums I have visited myself and plan on visiting again just for the fact that I know I will see some of the most beautiful sculptures on their walls.
If you’re currently living in digital nomad accommodation in Rome, you’ll particularly enjoy the fact that you don’t have to pay for anything except travel when you visit the places I have gathered for you here.
Whether you’re after some crazy street art or classic Italian sculptures, you’re sure to have a blast!
Completely Free Museums in Rome To Visit Absolutely
Best Free Museums in Rome: Museo d’Arte Classica, La Sapienza
One of the definitely most instagrammable places in Rome, the Museo d’Arte Classica in La Sapienza University houses a huge collection of immaculate plaster statues.
The collection follows a chronological order, with Greek, Roman, and Etruscan pieces that mostly revolve around statues.
Seeing a few seemingly similar Aphrodite or Athena statues, only then to move on and marvel at detailed scenes provides a feeling like no other, and the best part is that the Museo d’Arte Classica is one of the most secret free museums in Rome.
No one really knows about it unless you are a student, really, as with its tables scattered around the vast museum, the Museo d’Arte Classica makes for one of the best places to study in Rome!
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Best Free Museums in Rome: Museo della Storia della Medicine, La Sapienza
The Museo della Storia della Medicina is part of the Polo Museale della Sapienza, like the Museo d’Arte Classica and the other free museum I’ll talk about right below.
This one is dedicated to the history of medicine and healthcare, and showcases dozens of ancient medical instruments, anatomical models, and mindblowing artifacts with displays translated in English.
Even if you are not an expert in all things medical, the Museo della Storia della Medicina is still an amazing museum to visit in Rome if you wonder about our past.
Also, since La Sapienza University is located near the Cimitero del Verano (free to enter), the latter is a great place to visit afterwards especially during spring and fall, when the weather is really nice!
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Best Free Museums in Rome: Museo delle Antichità Etrusche e Italiche, La Sapienza
Located at one end of the Museo d’Arte Classica, the Museo delle Antichità Etrusche e Italiche in La Sapienza University is another one of the free museums I wanted to tell you about, although there are many more in the Polo Museale della Sapienza.
Dedicated to the Etruscan and Italic heritage, the museum houses a large collection of funerary artifacts, pottery, jewelry, as well as reconstitutions of Etruscan homes and mosaics.
Another great museum to visit if you would like to learn more about Rome’s, and Italy’s past!
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Best Free Museums in Rome: Museo Venanzo Crocetti
Dedicated. to the famous Italian sculptor Venanzo Crocetti, the Museo e Fondazione Venanzo Crocetti is one of Rome’s most secret places.
Located along the Cassia, the museum houses a huge collection of Venanzo Crocetti’s sculptures, with large scale and tiny statues neatly displayed along with detailed busts.
Marble and bronze are the two predominant materials used in the Venanzo Crocetti’s sculptures, and from dancing to motherhood, the themes represented make for beautiful art pieces.
And if you’re ever after secret gardens in Rome, the one at the back of the Museo Venanzo Crocetti, which also houses a few sculptures, is a peaceful and immaculate place to sit for a bit.
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Best Free Museums in Rome: Museo Pietro Canonica, Villa Borghese
We will talk more about the gorgeous Villa Borghese further down this guide, as it is clearly an open-air museum you have to know.
For now, for those in search of completely mindblowing free museums in Rome should pop by the Museo Pietro Canonica.
Housed in the former studio of renowned Italian sculptor Pietro Canonica, the museum displays famous sculptures such as The Abyss, along with representations of queens, and various war, religious and every day scenes.
If you are lucky enough, you might be able to enter the sculpture deposit of Villa Borghese, located inside the museum – gorgeous and completely free!
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Free Things to Do in Rome: Museo Hendrik Christian Andersen
Walking around one of Rome’s prettiest neighborhoods, Parioli, might bring you to the Museo Hendrik Christian Andersen, and that wouldn’t be a shame as it is the perfect place for sculpture lovers.
The museum houses a huge collection of the Danish-American sculptor’s art pieces at street level, and on the upper floor, you can also visit the sculptor’s former home.
This here is one of the best hidden gems in Rome, filled with art and an indescribable atmosphere.
All you need to know is that if you’re looking for places to find gorgeous statues in Rome, the Museo Hendrik Christian Andersen is it, especially since it is completely free to enter at all times of the year.
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Free Museums in Rome: Museo Napoleonico
The Museo Napoleonico is located along the Tiber river, and close to the Piazza del Popolo, making it an easily accessible museum.
Since it is part of the Musei del Comune di Roma, the Museo Napoleonico, which is dedicated to the life and legacy of Napoleon Bonaparte, is completely free to enter.
It reminds me greatly of another free museum of London, this time, the Wallace Collection, with its painted walls and vast collection of sculptures, paintings and artifacts dating back to the Napoleonic era.
Simply one of the most fascinating free museums in Rome, and perfect to learn about history and the Napoleonic period’s aesthetic!
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Free Museums in Rome: Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco
The Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco, also called the Museo Barracco, is located quite close to Via del Corso, one of Rome’s best shopping spots.
One more reason to visit, even if, clearly, this one is a must-visit if you’re looking for gorgeous free museums in Rome.
The displays of ancient sculptures from Egypt, Greece and Rome make for an incredible museum founded by Italian diplomat Giovanni Barracco in the 19th century.
Not only that, but in addition to the gorgeous busts, sculptures and artifacts in the Museo Barracco, you also have a secret crypt downstairs.
Mistake me not, there are many crypts in Rome to visit, but one as secret and well-preserved as that of the Museo Barracco? Not that easy to come by.
Also, on the top floor of the museum, you have a secret terrace from which you can see life passing by on Via Corso Emanuele II.
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Other Really Secret Museums in Rome To Add To Your Bucket List
Secret Museums in Rome to Visit: Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove di Metropoliz, Prenestina
Let’s keep going with other really secret museums in Rome, and places you wouldn’t think of looking when in search of proper museums – the first one of these is the MAAM Museum on the Prenestina.
The Museo dell’Altro e dell’Altrove di Metropoliz, also called MAAM, is housed in a former industrial complex, and filled with street art pieces added by emerging and established artists.
It costs 5 euros to enter, payable in cash, and these are the best 5 euros you will ever spend, even if you’re traveling to Rome solo.
The old slaughterhouse adds a crazy weird vibe, and the museum can only be visited on Saturdays as people do live there – an alternative approach to art, and really one of Rome’s most secret places.
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Secret Museums in Rome to Visit: Palazzo Nobile, Villa Torlonia
Let’s keep going with three different museums in Villa Torlonia, the first of which is the Palazzo Nobile, one of Rome’s prettiest palaces.
Located within Villa Torlonia, along the Nomentana, the neoclassical palace used to be home to the Torlonia family in the 19th Century, and features ornate ceilings, frescoes, and a huge collection of beautiful sculptures.
Every corner of the Palazzo Nobile in Villa Torlonia is worth a picture, in my opinion, and when you’re in the museum, you will also be able to contemplate the surrounding, immaculate gardens.
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Secret Museums in Rome to Visit: Casina delle Civette, Villa Torlonia
The great thing about visiting the Musei di Villa Torlonia is that you can buy a combined ticket to see the Palazzo Nobile, the Serra Moresca, and the incredible Casina delle Civette.
Translated to House of the Owls, the Serra Moresca in Villa Torlonia is one of the most magical places in Rome, what with its intricate stonework and stained glass windows.
The Art Nouveau villa is one of the most unusual sights in Rome, a fairytale house you won’t encounter anywhere else, enhanced only by the collection of Art Nouveau, Art Deco and Liberty pieces – a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.
We’re not too far from the gorgeous Quartiere Coppedè, either – for more Art Nouveau, Art Deco and medieval art, do visit this neighborhood.
It offers some of Rome’s most beautiful buildings, and is another one of those fairytale places you won’t see anywhere else!
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Secret Museums in Rome to Visit: Serra Moresca, Villa Torlonia
The third place in Villa Torlonia you can visit when buying a combined ticket is the Serra Moresca, or Moorish greenhouse.
It’s not a museum per se, but since it’s one of the most colorful places in Rome, intricate and airy, I would recommend you visit.
Built in the 19th century, the Serra Moresca is inspired by Moorish design and features Arabic words on the outside, as well as ornate arches and tropical plants.
This right here is one of my favorite free things to do in Rome, before keeping on walking to marvel at the gorgeous Villa Torlonia gardens.
You will find many other hidden gems in Villa Torlonia, by the way – many ruins in the back of the gardens, very well-preserved, which make for great photo opportunities, as well as fountains and sculptures.
Just the place you want to visit if you’re traveling to Rome during the spring, too, as it’s most beautiful around that time.
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Secret Museums in Rome to Visit: Museum of Dreamers
The Museum of Dreamers will make you think of Dopamineland in London, and all other kinds of colorful immersive museums that offer rooms upon rooms of interactive installations.
While it is not free to enter, the Museum of Dreamers is still one of the most secret museums in Rome, and makes for the perfect Instagram photo spot.
It’s the perfect museum to visit with kids, but if you’ve already visited that kind of museum in other cities, you might find that it’s not exactly worth it for adults.
I still enjoyed my visit as I left feeling more positive and creative when I visited the Museum of Dreamers – a cool colorful spot to add to your bucket list if you’re looking for creative inspiration.
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Secret Free Museums in Rome to Visit: Museo della Forma Urbis and Parco Archeologico del Celio
We have two museums in one with the Museo della Forma Urbis – this one is not free to enter, as it currently costs 9 euros to enjoy the giant marble map of ancient Rome inside the museum.
However, the Parco Archeologico del Celio, which has only recently opened, is another one of the free museums in Rome I would strongly recommend you visit, if only to enjoy the aesthetic excavated ruins.
We’re right in the heart of the Celio neighborhood, one of the most beautiful areas in Rome, and only a stone’s throw away from the Colosseum, so a visit to the Parco Archeologico del Celio should be on your bucket list.
On one side of the archeological park, you will find many ruins of columns, aesthetically displayed, which make it a really wonderful place to visit, especially if you’re traveling to Rome on a budget.
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Secret Museums in Rome to Visit: Canova Tadolini, Via del Babuino
The Canova Tadolini coffee shop on Via del Babuino, a few minutes on foot from Via del Corso, is more – much more than a simple instagrammable coffee shop.
Indeed, Canova Tadolini is a historic sculpture gallery which showcases gorgeous art pieces by two of Italy’s most renowned sculptors, Antonio Canova and Adamo Tadolini.
One of Rome’s prettiest fountains is located right outside the now-cafe, and while you’re having a filling breakfast or a bite, you can enjoy views on the crisp sculptures.
The cherry on top?
You’ll have one of your best breakfasts in Rome in this place – and you might find yourself, still, more interested in taking pictures of the beautiful statues than in eating.
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Secret Free Museums in Rome to Visit: Passeggiata Letteraria in Villa Borghese
Bit of a long shot to talk about Villa Borghese in a guide to the best free museums in Rome, but you need to know about the Passeggiata Letteraria, if only to take a soothing walk amongst statues of famous authors.
The Nikolai Gogol statue in Villa Borghese is one of my favorite sculptures in Rome, what with the huge statue portrayed carrying a mask, which pays homage to the many facets of artists.
One of Gogol’s favorite things to do in Rome was to actually walk around Villa Borghese, and since you’re in one of Rome’s most beautiful parks, I urge you to do the same while discovering the other sculptures of authors and poets scattered around.
There are many things to do in Villa Borghese, but finding more hidden statues is one of my favorites – and you’re right in front of the National Museum of Modern of Contemporary Art, another must visit in town!
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Secret Free Museums in Rome: Villa Sciarra’s Mythological Sculptures
Villa Sciarra’s mythological sculptures are some that keep me coming back to the beautiful villa, perched high up on the Gianicolo.
Dating back to the 19th century, the statues depict mythological characters from both Greek and Roman mythology, including Apollo, Aphrodite, along with nymphs, fauns, and heroes.
Villa Sciarra, in addition to being a secret places to see gorgeous statues, also offers beautiful fountains, and free views of Rome on several sides.
Close by, you have another one of Rome’s most beautiful villas, Villa Pamphili, just as worthy of a visit if you’re looking for free places to visit in town!
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Secret Free Museums in Rome: Museo Condominiale di Tor Marancia
In time, I will tell you more about all the must-visit places for street art in Rome, but let’s start with the Museo Condominiale di Tor Marancia, one of the most secret free museums in Rome.
One of the most unique, too, since it is a community museum housed within a residential building, in the Tor Marancia neighborhood.
With 22 art pieces painted on the facades of the mid-size buildings, the Museo Condominiale di Tor Marancia is one I definitely recommend you visit, especially if you’re looking for more secret things to do in Rome.
It is completely free, with well-preserved street art also located all around the neighborhood – a perfect hidden gem to discover with kids or teens!
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Secret Free Museums in Rome: Il Miglio d’Arte, Torraccia
Il Miglio d’Arte in the Torraccia neighborhood, like the Museo Condominiale di Tor Marancia and the MAAM Museum, is another really secret street art spot in Rome, and like the other two, pretty far from the center of the city.
It is another open air museum which showcases 90 different murals made by over 120 artists, and follows a peaceful cycling lane on which locals take walks with their kids and come to jog.
Il Miglio d’Arte is, in my opinion, one of those secret places you have to visit at least once, especially if you love finding new hidden gems in Rome and are a big fan of street art.
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Secret Museums in Rome: Centrale Montemartini, Garbatella
Located in the Garbatella neighborhood, another one filled with street art and secret courtyards, the Centrale Montemartini is a unique museum housed in a former power plant.
The collection of gorgeous statues is actually part of the Musei Capitolini, one of Rome’s most famous museums, and in contrast with the industrial machinery, gives the wowest effect.
Mosaics, reliefs, and marble statues are scattered all around the huge Centrale Montemartini, and you can also learn about the power plant’s industrial past when visiting, making it, roughly, a two in one museum.
If you’re looking for amazing places to visit in Garbatella, the Centrale Montemartini is one of them, and one I would recommend any day!
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Secret Museums in Rome: Chiostro di San Giovanni in Laterano
The Chiostro di San Giovanni in Laterano is located right behind the basilica in San Giovanni, one of the youngest and trendiest neighborhoods in Rome – you have to enter the basilica to be able to enjoy the incredible cloister.
Dating back to the 13th century, the Chiostro di San Giovanni in Laterano offers a mini-museum circling an immaculate garden, with ruins, sculptures, and incredible Cosmatesque style columns.
Finding Cosmatesque art in Rome is something that always brightens up my day, as this medieval art style focuses on mosaics created with both marble and glass – a unique way of creating!
It only costs 4 euros to enter the Chiostro di San Giovanni in Laterano, and on a beautiful spring day, the secret cloister really comes alive.
And since the Basilica di San Giovanni in Laterano is one of the most beautiful basilicas in Rome, you’ll cross two must-visits off your bucket list!
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Secret Free Museums in Rome: Exhibitions at the Chiostro del Bramante
The Chiostro del Bramante is not only one of Rome’s most beautiful cloisters – located in the historic center of the city, it is also renowned for its cultural events.
The Renaissance cloister, designed by renowned architect Donato Bramante, is not so secret anymore, as it makes for a perfect photo spot.
In addition, one of the most instagrammable cafes in Rome is located there, on the upper floor; a room bursting with color and floral walls in which you can have a coffee and a bite.
Check out the website to see what exhibitions are currently running at the Chiostro del Bramante – it is free to marvel at the art pieces around the cloister, but you will have to pay for special exhibitions.
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Secret Free Museums in Rome: Antica Libreria Cascianelli
Located close to the Pantheon and Via del Corso, the Antica Libreria Cascianelli is not a museum per se, but rather, one of Rome’s most beautiful bookshops, in which you can take pictures if you ask nicely.
Established in 1905, the Antica Libreria Cascianelli is one of the oldest shops in Rome, and specializes in rare, antique and used books, prints, along with a myriad of vintage artifacts.
In the back of this bookshop slash secret museum, a Wunderkammer ambiance with sculptures, paintings, and even more antiques make a visit to the Antica Libreria Cascianelli an even more wonderful experience.
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23 Secret and Free Museums in Rome You’ve Never Heard Of
There you have them, all the best free museums in Rome!
I’ve tried to keep this list short and sweet, and while some of those museums and modern art galleries host some of the most famous sculptures in Rome, others are definitely closer to street art than classical art.
If you’re a lover of contemporary art galleries in Rome, you’ll hopefully have found all you were looking for here!
Until next time!
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The Working Line
Sam is a certified fashion makeup artist, a freelance writer, a blogger and a digital nomad. Since 2019, she roams around the world, from London to Rome and shares her knowledge about makeup, scented candles, travel, blogging and the digital nomad lifestyle.