What Centrale Montemartini is
Centrale Montemartini is a museum in Rome that brings ancient Roman art together with early 20th-century industrial architecture. Housed in the former Thermoelectric Power Plant Giovanni Montemartini, it displays sculptures, mosaics and other ancient artifacts amid the plant’s machinery. The contrast creates a dialogue between Rome’s artistic and industrial histories. (Centrale Montemartini; Explore Centrale Montemartini)
The museum is a branch of the Musei Capitolini (Musei Capitolini). Its collection includes artifacts discovered during excavations from 1870 onward, with sculptures spanning from the Republican era to the late Imperial period. The works offer insights into Roman mythology, portraiture and funerary practices.
History
The Thermoelectric Power Plant Giovanni Montemartini was named after the Roman engineer who spearheaded its construction. Built between 1910 and 1912, it was a significant part of Rome’s industrial development and the city’s first public power plant. Its design followed the neoclassical style, with the architect credited as Giovanni Montemartini himself.
Originally intended to supply power to a limited section of Rome, the plant remained in operation longer than planned because of the First World War. It was decommissioned in 1963 as more modern power-generation methods emerged.
In the late 1990s, the Musei Capitolini needed temporary space for a significant part of its ancient Roman sculpture collection while the museums underwent restoration. The former plant’s large open spaces provided a setting for the works. Centrale Montemartini opened to the public in 1997, and the exhibition received critical acclaim for placing ancient art in an industrial context. Its success led to the site becoming a permanent museum.
What to see
Ancient art and industrial machinery
The sculptures’ smooth marble surfaces and idealized forms stand in contrast to the machinery’s rough textures and functional design. This juxtaposition connects the ancient Roman world with the industrial age and highlights the passage of time and the evolution of human ingenuity.
The plant’s neoclassical elements—including large windows, high ceilings and decorative details—sit alongside its imposing industrial structure and robust materials.
Machine Hall and Boiler Room
The Machine Hall, the heart of the former plant, is a vast space dominated by towering engines, turbines and boilers. Below it, the Boiler Room contains the massive boilers that once generated steam to power the turbines. Its low ceilings and dimly lit spaces evoke the heat and power of the machinery.
Collection highlights
The Mosaic of the Athletes, discovered in the Baths of Caracalla, depicts muscular athletes in various poses. Its intricate details and vibrant colors make it a notable work in the collection.
Practical visiting information
Opening hours
- Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
- Last admission is one hour before closing.
- Closed on Mondays, December 25 and January 1.
Tickets
Published admission details give the following prices and eligibility:
- Full-price admission: €11.
- Reduced admission: €9 for EU citizens aged 18–25 and EU teachers.
- Reduced admission: €9.50 for specific categories; check the website.
- Discounts are also listed for students, seniors and groups.
- Free admission is listed for children under 6, visitors under 18, EU citizens over 65, and students of specific disciplines. Free admission is also listed on the first Sunday of each month and on other special occasions; check the website for updates.
Location and contact
- Address: Via Ostiense, 106, 00154 Rome, Italy; also listed as Via Ostiense 106, 00154 Roma RM, Italy.
- Website: Centrale Montemartini Website
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: +39 06 0608
Getting there
- Metro Line B to Garbatella, described as the nearest station and a 15-minute walk, or to Piramide, a 10-minute walk.
- Bus Lines 714, 715, 716, 769 and 792.
- Tram Line 3.
Accessibility
The museum is described as fully accessible and wheelchair accessible. Elevators and ramps are available throughout the building, and wheelchairs can be requested. Tactile paths and descriptive panels in Braille are available for visually impaired visitors.
Guided tours and events
Expert-led guided tours provide information about the exhibits and the building’s history and typically last around 90 minutes. Tours in Italian and English are available by reservation; tours are also described as available in multiple languages. Contact the museum for schedules and booking information.
The museum frequently hosts temporary exhibitions and cultural programs. Check the official website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Photography, food and baggage
- Non-flash photography for personal use is permitted.
- Tripods and selfie sticks are not allowed.
- There is no café or restaurant inside the museum.
- Eating and drinking are not allowed in the exhibition halls.
- Large bags and backpacks must be left at the cloakroom.
Tips
- Allow at least 2–3 hours to explore the collection and the museum’s setting.
- Take time to explore the different sections, which focus on specific themes or historical periods.
- Observe how the sculptures and industrial machinery interact, and read the information panels for context about the works and the building.
- Guided tours offer expert insights and behind-the-scenes information.
- The contrast between ancient art and machinery offers photographic opportunities.
Nearby places
Nearby sites include the Pyramid of Cestius and the Protestant Cemetery. The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Testaccio Market and the Testaccio neighborhood are also suggested as places to visit.
Centrale Montemartini is in the Ostiense district, once an industrial area and now described as a hub for art, culture and nightlife. The neighborhood has street art, trendy restaurants and cultural spaces.
FAQ
What are Centrale Montemartini’s opening hours?
The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Last admission is one hour before closing. It is closed on Mondays, December 25 and January 1.
How much are tickets?
Full-price admission is €11. Reduced prices are listed as €9 for EU citizens aged 18–25 and EU teachers, and €9.50 for specific categories. Discounts are also listed for students, seniors and groups. Free admission is listed for children under 6, visitors under 18, EU citizens over 65, students of specific disciplines, the first Sunday of each month and other special occasions.
Where is the museum, and how do I get there?
The museum is at Via Ostiense, 106, 00154 Rome, Italy, also listed as Via Ostiense 106, 00154 Roma RM, Italy. Metro Line B serves Garbatella, a 15-minute walk, and Piramide, a 10-minute walk. Bus lines 714, 715, 716, 769 and 792 and tram line 3 also serve the area.
Is the museum accessible to visitors with disabilities?
Yes. It is described as fully accessible and wheelchair accessible, with elevators and ramps throughout. Wheelchairs are available upon request, and tactile paths and descriptive panels in Braille are provided for visually impaired visitors.
Can I book a guided tour?
Yes. Tours in Italian and English are available by reservation, and tours are also described as available in multiple languages. Contact the museum for schedules and booking information.
