Opening hours 2026
| Day | Hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Monday – Sunday | 9:30am – 7:30pm | 6:30pm |
| 24 and 31 December | 9:30am – 2:00pm | 1:00pm |
| 1 January | 11:00am – 8:00pm | 7:00pm |
| 1 May · 25 December | Closed | |
There's no weekly closing day: the Capitoline Museums open on Mondays too, when many Roman museums are shut — worth knowing when you plan your itinerary. The hours above are those published by museicapitolini.org; before visiting on public holidays, check the notices section of the official site.
Centrale Montemartini hours
The Capitoline Museums' second venue on Via Ostiense keeps a different schedule: Tuesday–Sunday 9:00am–7:00pm, last entry at 6:00pm, closed on Mondays, 1 May and 25 December. The full guide is on the Centrale Montemartini page.
When it's quietest
The Capitoline handles crowds well, but the difference between an empty gallery and a packed one still comes down to timing:
- 9:30–10:30am on weekdays: the quietest moment of all; groups arrive from mid-morning.
- After 4:30pm: the second good window every day, weekends included. With last entry at 6:30pm you still get up to 3 hours.
- Avoid: Saturdays and Sundays 11am–3pm, rainy days and Italian long weekends (25 April, 2 June, 8 December).
- During Villa Caffarelli exhibitions numbers climb, especially in the final month of a show and at weekends: book a time slot.
The best moment for photos
For the Marcus Aurelius statue in the Exedra, the overhead light at midday is the most dramatic (the hall is glass-roofed); for the Roman Forum from the Tabularium, aim for the last hour before sunset. Michelangelo's piazza is at its best after dusk, once the museums have closed.
Lock in your time slot
Weekend morning slots sell out first: book a few days ahead.
How much time you need
| Type of visit | Duration | What you cover |
|---|---|---|
| Essential | 1.5–2 hours | Conservatori (Wolf, Marcus Aurelius, courtyard) + Tabularium |
| Classic | 2.5–3 hours | The full route: both palaces + Galleria Lapidaria |
| Complete | 4+ hours | Classic route + Pinacoteca + a Villa Caffarelli exhibition |
There's no time limit on the ticket: you can stay as long as you like until closing. The café with the panoramic terrace (Terrazza Caffarelli) is a good spot to break up the visit.
Entrance and access
The visitor entrance is at the Palazzo dei Conservatori, Piazza del Campidoglio 1. With an online ticket you go straight to the turnstiles with your QR code, passing only through security; without a ticket you go via the desk first.
- Accessibility: step-free route signposted from Piazza d'Aracoeli, lifts between floors and between the two palaces (via the underground gallery).
- Cloakroom: compulsory for large backpacks and umbrellas; free of charge.
- Last entry: 6:30pm sharp — arrive later and the turnstiles are closed, even with a booked ticket.
The full price list is in the tickets and prices guide; for the big picture of the visit, start from the main page.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Capitoline Museums' opening hours?
Daily from 9:30am to 7:30pm, with last entry at 6:30pm. On 24 and 31 December the museum closes early at 2:00pm (source: museicapitolini.org).
Are the Capitoline Museums open on Mondays?
Yes, they open seven days a week. Note, though: the Centrale Montemartini branch is closed on Mondays.
When are the Capitoline Museums closed?
Only on 1 May and 25 December. On 24 and 31 December they're open in the morning only (9:30am–2:00pm).
What time is last entry?
One hour before closing: normally 6:30pm. Staff start clearing the galleries about twenty minutes before 7:30pm.
What's the best time to avoid the crowds?
Opening time at 9:30am on weekdays, or after 4:30pm on any day. Monday is often the quietest day of the week.
Do I need to book a time slot?
With an online ticket you choose an entry slot; at weekends and during exhibitions it's the safest option. Once inside, you can stay until closing.