The Capitoline Museums, the world’s oldest public museums, were founded in 1471 when Pope Sixtus IV gifted a collection of bronze statues to the people of Rome. This marked the beginning of an extensive collection of art and artifacts that has grown over centuries through various acquisitions and excavations. Housed in two main palaces, the Palazzo dei Conservatori and the Palazzo Nuovo, both of which face Piazza del Campidoglio, the museums offer visitors an unparalleled journey through Rome's rich cultural history.

The Palazzo dei Conservatori features impressive frescoes that depict the mythological and historical tales of Rome, and it also holds the bronze statue of the she-wolf with Romulus and Remus, a symbol of the city. The Palazzo Nuovo, on the other hand, houses famous sculptures including the Dying Gaul and the Capitoline Venus, providing a glimpse into ancient Roman art. Visitors can explore the underground Galleria Lapidaria that connects the two palaces and leads to the ancient Tabularium, which overlooks the Roman Forum.

In addition to its extensive sculpture collection, the Capitoline Museums also host the Pinacoteca Capitolina, a gallery featuring works by renowned artists such as Caravaggio, Guido Reni, and Guercino. This collection showcases the evolution of painting in Italy and Europe from the Renaissance to the Baroque period.

One of the highlights of the museum is the panoramic view from the Caffarelli Terrace, where visitors can enjoy a stunning outlook over the city of Rome. The Capitoline Museums are not only a treasure trove of art but also an immersive experience of the political, cultural, and artistic development of Rome across millennia.