On Corso Vittorio Emanuele II in central Rome, the Museo di Scultura Antica Giovanni Barracco pairs ancient sculpture with the intimate rooms of a Renaissance palazzo. Its collection spans Egyptian, Assyrian, Phoenician, Etruscan, Greek and Roman art, with sculptures and fragments arranged across several rooms. Allow time for the underground Roman domus, then look in on the library room. It is a compact stop for a closer look at ancient civilizations, especially if you are near Piazza Navona.
A collection shaped by Giovanni Barracco
The museum brings together ancient works collected by Giovanni Barracco, a politician and scholar whose interests ranged across the ancient world. His collection includes Egyptian, Assyrian, Etruscan, Greek and Roman art, as well as Phoenician works. Sculptures and fragments are arranged in rooms throughout the palazzo, giving the visit a close-up scale that suits the collection.
Look for the range of cultures represented as you move through the rooms. The displays include ancient sculptures and details such as a portion of an hourglass associated with Ptolemy II Philadelphus of Alexandria and a Cypriot parade chariot with two figures.
The palazzo and the underground domus
The museum occupies a Renaissance palazzo built in 1523 for Thomas Le Roy. Its decorative details include the French lily emblem. The historic rooms provide a setting for Barracco’s collection and give the museum a domestic scale rather than the feel of a large gallery.
Below ground, the remains of a Roman domus add another layer to the visit. A walkway crosses part of the ancient floor, so some sections are not visible from the path. An audioguide can help explain the spaces and the objects on display. Also make time for the library room, which offers a change of pace from the sculpture galleries.
Planning a short visit
The museum is on Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, a short distance from Piazza Navona, making it practical to add to a day in central Rome. A visit can fit into about half an hour, though allowing longer gives you time to read the room information and explore the domus and library.
The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Mondays. Check its official website before setting out for current visitor information, temporary exhibitions or special events. Going at an off-peak time can make it easier to spend time with the displays in the compact rooms.
Preguntas frecuentes
How long do you need at the Museo Barracco?
Plan for around 30 to 60 minutes. The collection is compact, with rooms to explore as well as an underground Roman domus and a library room.
What can you see at the Museo Barracco?
The collection includes ancient Egyptian, Assyrian, Phoenician, Etruscan, Greek and Roman art. There is also an underground Roman domus.
Where is the Museo Barracco?
It is at Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 168, in central Rome, near Piazza Navona.
Is the Museo Barracco open on Mondays?
No. It is closed on Mondays and open Tuesday through Sunday.
