Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Good for: History Enthusiasts · Art Lovers · Rainy-day visits
1995
Opened as Museum
4
National Roman Museum Sites
2–3 hours
Recommended Visit
Quick answer
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme in Rome, Italy — palazzo Massimo alle Terme opened in 1995 as the principal site of the National Roman Museum, housed in a late-nineteenth-century Jesuit college near Termini Station. Open Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Closed Mondays). Admission: €8 standard admission. World Museum Guide covers the highlights, getting there, and how long to allow (2–3 hours).
Verified 2026-06-30 against official sources.
About Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Palazzo Massimo alle Terme opened in 1995 as the principal site of the National Roman Museum, housed in a late-nineteenth-century Jesuit college near Termini Station.
It holds some of the most important survivors of ancient Roman painting — the frescoes from the Villa of Livia at Prima Porta — alongside masterpieces of sculpture from the late Republic and Empire.
Four floors trace Roman art from the Republic through the Empire: ground-floor sculpture, first-floor portraits and mosaics, second-floor frescoes and stucco, basement coin and jewellery collections.
A combined ticket covers Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian, and the Crypta Balbi — four sites of the National Roman Museum across the city.
2–3 hours highlights route
A focused route through 4 must-see highlights at Palazzo Massimo alle Terme without museum fatigue. · 2–3 hours
- 1
Garden Room Frescoes
📍 Second floor, Villa of Livia reconstruction
Extraordinary illusionistic garden frescoes from the villa of Emperor Augustus's wife Livia.
- 2
Boxer at Rest
📍 Ground floor, Hellenistic Gallery
A bronze boxer seated after a match, his face bruised and swollen, hands wrapped in caestus.
- 3
Discobolus Lancellotti
📍 Ground floor
A Roman marble copy of Myron's famous discus-thrower, captured at the moment of maximum tension.
- 4
Frescoes from the Villa Farnesina
📍 Second floor
Delicate architectural and mythological frescoes from the triclinium of the Villa Farnesina on the Tiber, showing scenes of daily Roman life and divine mythology.
Masterworks & must-see highlights
The works that define Palazzo Massimo alle Terme — and why they matter.
Garden Room Frescoes
Roman artists · c. 30–20 BC
📍 Second floor, Villa of Livia reconstruction
Extraordinary illusionistic garden frescoes from the villa of Emperor Augustus's wife Livia. Birds, pomegranates, and cypress trees painted on all four walls of a darkened room that recreates the original dining space.
Boxer at Rest
Unknown Greek/Roman sculptor · c. 330–50 BC
📍 Ground floor, Hellenistic Gallery
A bronze boxer seated after a match, his face bruised and swollen, hands wrapped in caestus. One of the finest surviving ancient bronzes, with inlaid copper for blood and wounds.
Discobolus Lancellotti
After Myron · Roman copy, 2nd century AD
📍 Ground floor
A Roman marble copy of Myron's famous discus-thrower, captured at the moment of maximum tension. Found on the Esquiline Hill and named for the Lancellotti family who owned it.
Frescoes from the Villa Farnesina
Roman artists · c. 20 BC
📍 Second floor
Delicate architectural and mythological frescoes from the triclinium of the Villa Farnesina on the Tiber, showing scenes of daily Roman life and divine mythology.
Collections & highlights
- • Villa of Livia garden frescoes
- • Hellenistic and Roman bronze sculpture
- • Roman portrait busts and mosaics
- • Republican and Imperial coin collection
- • Gold jewellery and luxury objects
- • Villa Farnesina frescoes
Frequently asked questions
Is one ticket valid for the other Roman Museum sites?
Yes — combined tickets cover Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, the Baths of Diocletian, and the Crypta Balbi.
Where is the Villa of Livia fresco room?
On the second floor — a darkened reconstruction of the original garden room.
How long should I spend at Palazzo Massimo alle Terme?
Plan 2–3 hours for the highlights. Add time for temporary exhibitions, the museum shop, and café.
What is Palazzo Massimo alle Terme best known for?
Palazzo Massimo opened as part of the National Roman Museum in 1995, in a late-nineteenth-century Jesuit college near Termini Station. Key highlights include Frescoes from the Villa of Livia, The Boxer at Rest bronze, Discobolus Lancellotti.
How do I get tickets for Palazzo Massimo alle Terme?
€8 standard admission Tickets are usually available on the day, but booking online saves queue time in peak season. Official site: https://museonazionaleromano.beniculturali.it/en/palazzo-massimo/
Does one ticket cover all National Roman Museum sites?
Yes — the combined ticket (€12) is valid for 3 days and covers Palazzo Massimo, Palazzo Altemps, Baths of Diocletian, and Crypta Balbi.
Where is the Villa of Livia room?
On the second floor — a darkened reconstruction of the original garden room. Allow extra time; it is the highlight of the museum.
How does Palazzo Massimo compare to the Capitoline Museums?
Palazzo Massimo is stronger on Roman painting and bronzes; the Capitoline excels in sculpture and the Palatine context. Both are essential for understanding ancient Rome.
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