Scuderie del Quirinale is an exhibition space beside the Quirinal Palace, in Rome. Its current show, Tesori dei Faraoni, brings together around 130 objects tracing ancient Egyptian belief, royal power, daily life and burial customs. Look for the gold sarcophagus and jewellery of Queen Ahhotep, the funerary mask of Amenemope and Psusennes I’s gold necklace. The former papal stables have been adapted as a modern gallery, and the second floor gives views across Rome. Set aside at least an hour and use the free QR-code audioguide for more context.
A former stable for temporary exhibitions
Scuderie del Quirinale stands beside the Quirinal Palace, the complex associated with the papacy, the Italian monarchy and today’s presidency. The stables were built between 1722 and 1732. Their later use is different: the building now holds temporary exhibitions in open-plan gallery spaces.
The exhibition area spans the first and second floors, with a lift as well as stairs. There is a lobby with seating, and the building has accessible entrance and restroom facilities. The second floor also has views across Rome, including a sightline toward St Peter’s dome.
Ancient Egypt in six themes
Tesori dei Faraoni brings together around 130 objects in a route divided into six sections. The displays address the pharaoh’s authority, spiritual beliefs, life in ancient Egypt and funerary customs, alongside recent archaeological discoveries such as the Golden City. The range gives the objects a context beyond their materials and craftsmanship.
Among the central pieces are the Triad of Menkaure, Queen Ahhotep’s gold sarcophagus and jewellery, the funerary mask of Amenemope and Psusennes I’s gold necklace. The show also includes the Mensa Isiaca, a bronze table dating to the first century BCE. Some of the Egyptian objects on display have not previously travelled outside Egypt.
Gold, royal power and burial
Gold appears across the exhibition as both a material and a sign of authority. Egyptian communities were working with it thousands of years ago; its association with divine power and kingship grew over time. During the New Kingdom, control of Nubian mines helped supply the royal treasures of the period.
The jewellery and funerary objects make those connections tangible. Psusennes I’s necklace is formed from thousands of tiny gold disks, while the pieces connected with Queen Ahhotep show gold used in royal burial. The exhibition places such objects alongside its wider account of religious belief and funerary ritual.
Planning time for the galleries
Give the exhibition at least an hour. If you want to read the information alongside the objects, plan closer to an hour and a half. QR codes provide access to a free audioguide, which adds further explanation as you move through the displays.
Weekdays are a practical choice if you want to avoid the longer weekend queues. Advance ticket purchase is recommended, and online booking is the option to use if tickets are not available at the entrance. The route includes stairs, but a lift is also available.
Perguntas frequentes
How long should I spend at Scuderie del Quirinale?
Allow at least an hour for Tesori dei Faraoni. An hour and a half gives you more time to read the exhibit information.
Is there an audioguide?
Yes. You can access a free audioguide by scanning the QR codes in the exhibition.
What can I see in Tesori dei Faraoni?
The exhibition has around 130 objects across six sections. Highlights include Queen Ahhotep’s gold sarcophagus and jewellery, the funerary mask of Amenemope and Psusennes I’s gold necklace.
Is Scuderie del Quirinale accessible?
The building has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom. A lift is available alongside the stairs.
