Museo dell'Ara Pacis — Attraction in Rome

During our recent visit to Rome, we had the incredible opportunity to explore the Museo dell’Ara Pacis, home to the iconic Ara Pacis Augustae (Altar of Augustan Peace). This ancient monument, commissioned in 13 BC by the Roman Senate to celebrate Emperor Augustus’s return from his victories in Gaul and Spain, is a stunning representation of Roman art, peace, and prosperity. The intricate reliefs on the altar not only depict mythological stories but also provide a unique glimpse into the historical events of the time, offering visitors a rare look at Roman culture and power.

The museum itself, designed by renowned architect Richard Meier, is a striking blend of modern and ancient elements. Its glass walls allow natural light to pour in, casting beautiful reflections on the altar, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere that enhances the monument’s intricate details. We were particularly impressed by how the museum’s design preserves the altar while allowing visitors to engage with it in such an immersive way.

For those interested in history, art, or architecture, we found that about an hour is sufficient to tour the museum and appreciate the displays. The informative plaques and video guides in multiple languages were helpful in enriching our understanding of the altar’s significance. The museum also offers a great educational experience with its exhibits that provide context about the Augustan era and the peace ushered in by Augustus’s reign.

The Museo dell’Ara Pacis is open daily from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM, with the last admission at 6:30 PM. Admission is €14 for adults and €8.50 for concessions. If you’re planning to visit multiple museums in Rome, the MIC card provides free entry for 12 months for just €5, which we thought was a great deal.

We were truly impressed by our visit and would highly recommend this museum to anyone visiting Rome. It’s a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in the legacy of...

Worth paying the ticket if you want to see the Ara Pacis from every angle and learn about its history. The details still preserved are marvelous.

One thing I didn't like in this museum was the staff! The lady at the ticket office was lovely, however, once inside, the gallery attendants were less than pleasant. The museum itself is very quiet, a peaceful space in the heart of a busy city. However, you'll not enjoy that peace for long because the gallery attendants are always talking to each other. It's so annoying but they never ever stop. And to make things even worse, while in front of the beautiful Ara Pacis, the audio-guide will tell you "for conservation reasons staying inside is prohibited" and you'll be advised to listen to the explanation while on the outside and only pass through the Ara Pacis afterwards to quickly admire its interior. Well... While you are not allowed to stay inside it, the gallery attendants stand in it pacing back and forth while chatting. During my visit 3 of them were inside at the same time while 2 stayed in there for over 10 minutes pacing and chatting. Should I also mention that there was no visitor on the inside and they were definitely not supervising anyone? Yes, you got that right, you as a visitor who pays a lot of money to go in can't stop inside the beautiful monument for long because the gallery attendants are already creating more noise than needed they walk inside it more than needed and they definitely make sure your visit will be a lot less peaceful than it should! These arrogant people who don't care about the monuments they are paid to protect should not be allowed to work as gallery attendants, they are a pest...

The Ara Pacis Augustae is a small museum where they have placed the altar dedicated to Pax, the Roman goddess of Peace. The altar dates back to 13 b.C. and it was built to honor the return of Augustus to Rome. Inside the museum you'll have access to the reassembled altar and descriptions of its friezes. There's also a video in Italian and English that summarizes the story behind Ara Pacis. I recommend reading all information available at the museum and getting a book about it (there's a bookshop in the museum) so you can enjoy every little detail to the most. At present, there's also a photographic exhibition on the ground floor called Walls, Le Mura di Roma di Andrea Jemolo. An exquisite work of art that takes you on a ride along the wall that surrounds the city (ends October 2018). A downside to the place is that there weren't many visitors at the museum, may be because the entrance fee is a bit pricey. If they made it more accessible for the general public, many more would be able to know this pearl in the history of Rome. In my case, I have the MIC card for being a resident so I can visit the place for free, but being it such a lovely place, I'd like to see a price that many more people can afford. Art and culture should be accessible to all. I work with tourists most of the time and I love visiting these places so then I can recommend them, but some tourists would skip it because of...