What the place is
The Museo dell'Ara Pacis in Rome houses the Ara Pacis Augustae, or Altar of Augustan Peace. The altar is a monument to the Pax Romana, the period of relative peace, stability and expansion associated with Emperor Augustus. Its intricate reliefs depict scenes from Roman mythology, history and daily life, and offer a glimpse into Roman art, beliefs and political culture.
The current museum, designed by architect Richard Meier and completed in 2006, combines glass and travertine stone. Natural light illuminates the altar’s carvings. The museum protects the monument and presents it alongside exhibitions and objects that provide context for Augustan Rome.
History
The Roman Senate commissioned the Ara Pacis in 13 BCE to celebrate Augustus’s return from campaigns in Spain and Gaul and to honor the peace associated with his reign. The altar was dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace.
Originally located in Rome’s northern Campus Martius, near the Via Flaminia, the monument was gradually buried under sediment after frequent flooding of the Tiber. Its rediscovery began in the 16th century, when fragments were unearthed and eventually dispersed among museums and private collections across Europe.
A systematic excavation and reconstruction took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries under archaeologist Germanico Boni. The work used surviving fragments and plaster casts of missing pieces.
The first museum built to house the reconstructed altar opened in 1938 during Mussolini’s regime. Its stark architectural style was criticized for clashing with the ancient monument. In the late 1990s, Richard Meier was commissioned to design a replacement, which was completed in 2006.
What to see
The altar and its context
The museum’s layout guides visitors through the history of the Ara Pacis and the reign of Augustus.
- Ground floor Explore the altar’s carvings and displays about its construction, original location and role in promoting Augustus’s message of peace and prosperity.
- Lower level See objects recovered from the area where the altar once stood, including sculptures, architectural fragments and everyday objects that relate to life in Augustan Rome.
Collection highlights
- Fragments of the Solarium Augusti Remains of Augustus’s large sundial, including sections of its marble calendar.
- Statues and busts Roman portrait sculptures, including busts of Augustus and other prominent figures of his reign.
- The Tellus Relief A carved panel from the Ara Pacis enclosure showing Tellus, the Roman goddess of Earth, surrounded by symbols of fertility and abundance.
- Inscriptions and decrees Augustan-period inscriptions, including fragments of the Res Gestae Divi Augusti, Augustus’s account of his accomplishments.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions on Roman history, art, culture and archaeology, sometimes featuring objects loaned from other museums and institutions. Check the museum’s website for current and upcoming exhibitions.
Practical visiting information
Location and transport
The museum is at Lungotevere in Augusta, Rome, Italy. One address listing gives the full address as Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186 Rome, Italy. Google Maps
- Metro Line A (Red Line), Spagna or Flaminio stations.
- Bus Lines 23, 80, 90, 160, 280, 490, 495 and 628. Several bus stops are nearby.
- Other listings describe public transport options as buses and the metro; check local schedules.
Opening hours
The provided opening-hour listings differ:
- One listing says the museum is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission 30 minutes before closing.
- Another says it is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission one hour before closing.
- A further schedule gives Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission at 6:30 PM. Under this schedule, the museum is closed on Mondays, December 25, January 1 and May 1.
- On the first Sunday of each month, admission is free and the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
- Another listing says the museum is closed on January 1 and December 25.
Tickets
Ticket information varies between the listings:
- General admission is listed as €10.
- Full-price admission is also listed as €12.
- Reduced admission is listed as €8 for EU citizens aged 18–25 and senior citizens over 65. Another listing names EU citizens aged 18–25 and teachers as eligible for the €8 reduced price.
- Discounts are also listed for seniors, students and children.
- Free admission is listed for children under 18, visitors with disabilities and their companions, licensed tour guides and journalists.
- The museum is included in the Roma Pass, which offers free entry to two museums, discounted entry to others and unlimited use of public transportation. Official Website
- Online booking is recommended, especially during peak season. Ticket Purchase
For the latest prices, discounts and schedules, check the official website.
Accessibility and facilities
The museum is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available free of charge with prior reservation.
The museum shop sells books, souvenirs and replicas related to the Ara Pacis and Roman history.
Tips for your visit
- Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours to explore the altar and surrounding exhibits.
- Early morning or later afternoon visits are suggested for avoiding crowds.
- Photography is permitted for personal use; flash photography and tripods are not allowed.
- There is no specific dress code. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Italian, French, Spanish and German.
- Guided tours are available in multiple languages. Tours in English and Italian take place at scheduled times throughout the day; check the museum website or ask at the ticket office for schedules and availability.
- The museum provides information panels in English and Italian.
- Special events throughout the year include lectures, workshops and concerts. Check the museum’s website for updates and schedules.
Nearby places
The following attractions are described as within walking distance or near the museum:
- Mausoleum of Augustus An ancient mausoleum and the monumental tomb of Rome’s first emperor.
- Spanish Steps A renowned Roman landmark; the steps lead up to the Trinità dei Monti church and offer a view of the city.
- Piazza del Popolo A large historic square with attractions including the twin churches of Santa Maria dei Miracoli and Santa Maria in Montesanto.
- Trevi Fountain.
FAQ
What is the Ara Pacis?
The Ara Pacis Augustae is an ancient Roman altar dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of peace. Commissioned by the Roman Senate in 13 BCE, it honors Augustus and celebrates peace in the Roman Empire.
Where is the Museo dell'Ara Pacis?
The museum is at Lungotevere in Augusta, Rome, Italy; one listing gives the address as Lungotevere in Augusta, 00186 Rome, Italy.
What are the museum’s opening hours?
The listings give different schedules: one says daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission either 30 minutes or one hour before closing. Another gives Tuesday to Sunday, 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with last admission at 6:30 PM, and closures on Mondays, December 25, January 1 and May 1. One listing says admission is free on the first Sunday of each month, when the museum is open from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
How much do tickets cost?
General admission is listed as €10 in one place and full-price admission as €12 in another. Reduced admission is listed as €8 for certain groups, and free admission is available to certain categories, including visitors under 18 and visitors with disabilities. The museum is also included in the Roma Pass.
Is the museum accessible?
Yes. It has ramps, elevators and accessible restrooms. Wheelchairs are available free of charge with prior reservation.
