Italy Rome Roma RM Museum

Museo della Civiltà Romana

About

Located in Rome’s EUR district, the Museo della Civiltà Romana offers a sweeping overview of ancient Roman life through an extraordinary collection of plaster casts, scale models, and reconstructions. Opened in 1955, the museum spans 59 sections that chronicle Rome’s evolution from mythic origins to the fall of the Empire. Highlights include the full-scale model of Imperial Rome by Italo Gismondi, a lifesize reproduction of the pronaos of Augustus’s temple in Ankara, and casts of Trajan’s Column reliefs displayed at eye level. Originally conceived for the 1942 Universal Exhibition under Mussolini, the museum reflects both scholarly ambition and political legacy. Though currently closed for renovation, its reopening is anticipated in 2026, promising renewed access to one of the world’s most comprehensive visual archives of Roman civilization. For scholars, educators, and history enthusiasts, the Museo della Civiltà Romana remains a vital resource for understanding the cultural, architectural, and societal achievements of ancient Rome2

Rome Italy

Location

The Museo della Civiltà Romana (Museum of Roman Civilization) is located at Piazza Giovanni Agnelli 10 in the EUR district of Rome, an area known for its rationalist architecture and modern urban design. The museum, which opened in 1955, offers an extensive collection of casts and scale models that vividly reconstruct ancient Roman monuments and daily life, including the famous large-scale model of Rome as it appeared during Emperor Constantine’s reign and casts of Trajan’s Column. Although the museum is currently closed for restoration, it remains unique worldwide for its comprehensive portrayal of ancient Roman civilization through 59 thematic sections covering political, religious, social, and military aspects. Nearby, the EUR district provides a striking contrast to Rome’s historic center, featuring landmarks such as the Palazzo della Civiltà Italiana (Square Colosseum) and the Museum of Roman Art. The area is well connected by metro, with the EUR Fermi station close by, and includes green spaces, modern shops, and cultural institutions. While EUR is more residential and business-oriented compared to the historic core, it offers visitors a chance to explore a distinctive, 20th-century vision of Rome alongside the museum’s deep dive into its ancient past. The Museo della Civiltà Romana stands as a fascinating destination for those interested in Rome’s rich heritage beyond the usual archaeological sites.

Vatican Museums